Dr. Saad Z. Usmani, the 2025 Giants of Cancer Care Myeloma inductee, has dedicated his career to advancing the treatment of multiple myeloma. His journey, rooted in a childhood shaped by migration and a strong family ethos, has led him to a leadership role at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
A Childhood Shaped by History
Born in Pakistan in 1979, Usmani’s family history is intertwined with the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan. His parents’ families migrated from different regions of India – Uttar Pradesh and Hyderabad – bringing diverse cultural influences to his upbringing. He grew up in a large, joint family household, where he learned the importance of leading by example and collective achievement.
From Cricket to Cancer Research
Usmani excelled academically in Pakistan, but also showed promise as a cricket player. However, the development of targeted cancer therapies like imatinib in the late 1990s drew him to oncology and a desire to become a physician-scientist. Recognizing limited opportunities in Pakistan, he and his wife, Zainab Shahid, MBBS, pursued graduate medical education in the United States, navigating the challenges of the USMLE and the residency match as international medical graduates.
Building a Legacy in Myeloma Treatment
After completing his fellowships, Usmani’s career took shape under the mentorship of key figures in myeloma research, including Zihai Li, MD, PhD, Robert Bona, MD, and Bart Barlogie, MD, PhD. He emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence and giving back to the field. At the University of Arkansas and later at Levine Cancer Institute, he pioneered early-phase trials and helped integrate translational research, ultimately contributing to the development of new treatment standards, including the use of daratumumab (Darzalex).
Usmani’s work has led to significant improvements in outcomes for myeloma patients, with a focus on identifying high-risk individuals and developing more effective treatment regimens. He recalls one patient who achieved remission through a daratumumab trial, highlighting the profound impact of these advancements.
Looking Ahead
Now at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Usmani continues to lead in myeloma research and patient care. He remains committed to mentorship and giving back to the medical community. He hopes to see functional cures for multiple myeloma achieved within his lifetime and to witness the success of those he has trained. He balances his demanding career with a focus on family, participating in fundraising events and prioritizing time with his wife and children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Dr. Usmani to pursue a career in oncology?
The development of targeted cancer therapies like imatinib in the late 1990s inspired Dr. Usmani to pursue a career in oncology and become a physician-scientist.
What challenges did Dr. Usmani and his wife face when moving to the United States?
Dr. Usmani and his wife faced the challenges of navigating the USMLE, applying for residency programs, and submitting a joint “rank order list” as international medical graduates, particularly in the post-9/11 era.
What is Dr. Usmani’s current professional ambition?
Dr. Usmani’s professional ambition is to see functional cures for both standard and high-risk patients with myeloma within his academic lifetime and to see the success of the people he has trained.
How might the emphasis on family and collective achievement, instilled in Dr. Usmani during his childhood, influence his approach to collaborative cancer research and patient care?
