Katrina S. Pedersen, MD, MS

Katrina S. Pedersen, MD, MS

Associate Professor

Address:
Division of Oncology
Mail Stop 8056-0029-11
Washington University
660 South Euclid Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110

Admin:
Nicole Elder
nelder@wustl.edu

Clinical Interests
  • Small bowel adenocarcinoma
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Appendiceal cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Gastrointestinal cancer
Research

As a practitioner of medical oncology focusing in gastrointestinal cancers, I use my experience with patients to drive my clinical and translational research aims. I have previously trained as a basic scientist, studying molecular oncology and the epigenetic mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and have completed graduate coursework in advanced molecular biology, cancer biology, biochemistry, and free radical biology. I have applied that knowledge to examining leukocyte DNA methylation signatures in pancreas cancers for discovery of circulating diagnostic biomarkers. Turning to practices engaging Systems Biology, I have more recently analyzed RNA-Seq data of pancreas precursor lesions and tumors in search of transcriptome-wide expression-level stepwise changes leading to pancreatic carcinogenesis. I have funding for ongoing pilot studies utilizing genome-wide DNA mate pair analysis to develop predictive biomarkers of therapy in pancreatic cancer patients. A trial developed with my mentor, Dr. Robert McWilliams, will shortly be opening to study outcomes of pembrolizumab therapy in unselected patients with small bowel adenocarcinoma. I look forward to collaborating with the numerous talented and creative researchers at Washington University to improve outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary cancers.

Biosketch

Education

  • 2009: MD, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL
  • 2005: MS, Free Radical & Radiation Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
  • 2003: BA, Biology and French, Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA

Post-Graduate Training

  • 2016-2012: Fellowship, Hematology/Medical Oncology, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Rochester, MN
  • 2012-2009: Residency, Internal Medicine, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Rochester, MN

Academic Positions & Employment

  • present-2023: Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
  • 2022-2016: Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
  • 2016-2015: Instructor of Medicine and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

University & Hospital Appointments & Committees

  • present-2021: Medical Oncology Program Leader and Co-Founder, Young Onset Colorectal Cancer Program, WUSM/BJC/Siteman Cancer Center
  • present-2020: Co-Leader, Hem/Onc Fellowship Wellness Curriculum, Personal Finance
  • present-2018: Hem/Onc Fellowship Research Mentor, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
  • present-2017: Institutional Review Board, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
  • 2016-2015: Department of Medical Oncology Research Committee, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
  • 2016-2014: Department of Medical Oncology Education Committee, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
  • 2015-2012: Department of Medical Oncology Clinical Inpatient Practice Committee, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Board Certification

  • 2015: Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology
  • 2015: Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine, Hematology
  • 2012: Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine

Honors & Awards

  • 2008: Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, elected 3rd year medical student, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL
  • 2005-2003: Free Radical and Radiation Biology Graduate Research Assistantship, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

National & International Panels, Committees, Boards

  • present-2018: Chair, National Comprehensive Cancer Network Small Bowel Adenocarcinoma Treatment Guidelines Subcommittee
  • present-2018: National Comprehensive Cancer Network Colon, Rectal, Anal, Small Bowel Guidelines Committee
  • present-2017: Academic and Community Clinical Research United (ACCRU), GI Cancer Steering Committee
  • present-2016: International Rare Cancer Initiative, Small Bowel Adenocarcinoma Committee
  • 2023-2021: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting Scientific Program Committee, Gastrointestinal Cancer, Gastroesophageal, Pancreatic, and Hepatobiliary Track

Professional Societies & Organizations

  • 2016-2012: American Society of Hematology
  • present-2013: American Society of Clinical Oncology
  • present-2014: American Association of Cancer Research
  • present-2016: Forum for Women in Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
  • present-2019: SWOG Cancer Research Network
  • present-2020: Academic Women’s Network, Washington University School of Medicine
  • present-2020: European Society for Medical Oncology