Donnellan Promoted to Director of Leukemia at Sarah Cannon

William B. Donnellan, MD

William B. Donnellan, MD, was recently promoted to director of Leukemia/Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) Research at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute in Nashville, Tennessee. Donnellan has served as an investigator of hematologic malignancies since 2014 at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute. He specializes in treating patients with various blood cancers, with a special interest in myeloid stem cell disorders.

Donnellan will oversee research in myeloid stem cell disorders in his new role as director. Research will focus on malignancies including MDS, acute myeloid leukemia, and myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Recently, he was the lead author of a small phase II trial evaluating a dose-escalating, infusion regimen of ofatumumab (Arzerra) in patients with previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Using the stepped-up dosing regimen, the rapid infusion of ofatumumab was found to be safe and well tolerated.

“Dr Donnellan has played an integral role in advancing research for blood cancers and ensuring patients facing the disease are receiving the best possible care,” said David Spigel, MD, the chief scientific officer at Sarah Cannon.

Board certified in internal medicine, hematology, and medical oncology, Donnellan also serves as an associate with Tennessee Oncology, PLLC. He received his undergraduate degree from Auburn University and his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine, where he also completed his residency.

Donnellan was awarded the C. Glenn Cobbs Award for excellence at the Birmingham VA Medical Center. He also received the Claude Bennett Award for outstanding performance at University Hospital. Additionally, he completed a fellowship at the University of Alabama in hematology/oncology. His special focus was in blood and marrow transplantation.

Additionally, he has professional memberships with the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology.