Don M Benson, MD, PhD
Academic Title: Professor in the College of Medicine
Research Program: Leukemia and Hematologic Malignancies
About Me
More info forI’m a hematologist-oncologist caring for patients with multiple myeloma, amyloidosis and those undergoing blood and marrow transplantation. I am privileged to lead clinical trials and research projects in my laboratory to develop new treatments for and understanding of these conditions. I am grateful to teach in The Ohio State University College of Medicine, where I have received both the Professor of the Year Award (2012) and the Distinguished Educator Award (2015). I currently serve as a professor of medicine and as the director of the Myeloma Program at The Ohio State University. For many years, I have been recognized as being in the top 10 percent of physicians in the nation for patient satisfaction. We strive to deliver personalized care to our patients by taking into account not only their specific type of cancer but their desires and goals as well. My team’s research programs work toward developing novel treatments that enhance the immune system’s ability to detect and kill cancer cells. Natural killer cells are a type of immune cell capable of eliminating cancer cells, and much of the research we do focuses in the exciting area of immunotherapy for cancer. As a member of the Molecular Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program at the OSUCCC – James, my laboratory team has helped bring new immune-based and targeted therapies to clinical use. In addition to laboratory-based research, I have led over 100 therapeutic clinical trials in which I have tested promising novel treatments for cancer. I’ve also published over 100 peer-reviewed clinical, translational and laboratory-based research papers in journals such as Journal of Clinical Oncology, Blood, PNAS, Cancer Cell, Clinical Cancer Research and others. My team’s work has been presented at international scientific meetings around the world and has been funded by the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, Pelotonia and other sources. I feel blessed to work at The James because of my team. I believe that the collective care we provide to patients is much greater than our individual contributions. Our patients have the added benefit of the entire institution supporting them in their fight to overcome cancer.
Clinical Expertise
More info for- Hematology
- Multiple Myeloma
- Amyloidosis
- Bone Marrow Transplantation
- Blood Cancers
Research Interests
More info for- Fatigue
- Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin
- Neoplasms
- Amyloidosis
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell
- Graft vs Host Disease
- Lymphoma
- Multiple Myeloma
- Melanoma
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute
Where I See Patients
More info forEducation & Training
More info forGraduate
- Kent State University
PO Box 5190, Kent, OH
Medical School
- Northeast Ohio Medical University
Po Box 95, Rootstown, OH
Fellowship - Hematology & Oncology
- Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
700 Ackerman Rd, Columbus, OH
Internship - Internal Medicine
- University of Virginia
PO Box 800136, Charlottesville, VA
Residency - Internal Medicine
- University of Virginia
PO Box 800136, Charlottesville, VA
- Kent State University
Academic Office & Contact Information
More info forAcademic Office:
Comprehensive Cancer Center 0308
410 W 12th Ave
Columbus, Ohio 43210-1214Phone:
614-366-9131Email:
Don.Benson@osumc.eduReviews
More info forPatient Satisfaction Review
The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the five questions gathered from the Outpatient Oncology survey, developed by Press Ganey Associates for use in oncology clinics across the country. On behalf of The James, Press Ganey administers the survey to patients who see our providers in an outpatient clinic office. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our
Patient Satisfaction Survey page The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of The James.
Publications
More info forJune 20, 2024CREB1 promotes expression of immune checkpoint HLA-E leading to immune escape in multiple myeloma.
Ismael A, Robinette AJ, Huric L, Schuetz J, Dona K, Benson D, Cocucci E, Cottini F
Leukemia
June 12, 2024Impact of chronic graft-versus-host disease on non-relapse mortality and survival.
Jiang J, Sigmund AM, Zhao Q, Elder P, Vasu S, Jaglowski S, Mims A, Choe H, Larkin K, Wall S, Grieselhuber N, William B, Penza S, Benson DM, Efebera YA, Sharma N
Leuk Lymphoma
April 12, 2024CD56 expression predicts response to Daratumumab-based regimens.
Robinette AJ, Huric L, Dona K, Benson D, Cottini F
Blood Cancer J
November 10, 2023Concomitant 1q+ and t(4;14) influences disease characteristics, immune system, and prognosis in double-hit multiple myeloma.
Ozga M, Zhao Q, Huric L, Miller C, Rosko A, Khan A, Umyarova E, Benson D, Cottini F
Blood Cancer J
July 27, 2023TTK/MPS1 inhibitor OSU-13 targets the mitotic checkpoint and is a potential therapeutic strategy for myeloma.
Longo LVG, Hughes T, McNeil-Laidley B, Cottini F, Hilinski G, Merritt E, Benson DM
Haematologica
July 13, 2023Modified carfilzomib dosing is associated with improved treatment responses and longer time on treatment in patients with multiple myeloma.
Khan AM, Dvorak K, Zhao Q, Bumma N, Cottini F, Devarakonda S, Umyarova E, Sharma N, Benson D, Rosko A
Haematologica
July 1, 2023Characterization of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance progression to multiple myeloma through meta-analysis of GEO data.
Aljabban J, Syed S, Syed S, Rohr M, Mukhtar M, Aljabban H, Cottini F, Mohammed M, Hughes T, Gonzalez T, Panahiazr M, Hadley D, Benson D
Heliyon
May 18, 2023Survival outcomes following autologous stem cell transplant with melphalan 140mg/m2 versus 200mg/m2 preparative regimens in patients with multiple myeloma.
Sharma N, Benson E, Zhao Q, Nunnelee J, Cottini F, Elder P, Rosko A, Bumma N, Khan A, Umyarova E, Devarakonda S, Efebera YA, Benson DM
Leuk Lymphoma
January 1, 2023Impact of interval progression before autologous stem cell transplant in patients with multiple myeloma.
Bao A, Zhao Q, Kudalkar R, Rodriguez J, Sharma N, Bumma N, Devarakonda SS, Khan AM, Umyarova E, Rosko AE, Benson D, Cottini F
Front Oncol
December 5, 2022Outcomes After Salvage Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplant for Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Single-Institution Experience.
Khan AM, Ozga M, Bhatt H, Faisal MS, Ansari S, Zhao Q, Bumma N, Cottini F, Devarakonda S, Rosko A, Sharma N, Umyarova E, Benson D
Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk
November 14, 2022Longitudinal Survival Outcomes in Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: An Institutional Experience.
Jiang J, Sigmund AM, Zhao Q, Elder P, Benson DM, Vasu S, Jaglowski S, Mims A, Choe H, Larkin K, Brammer JE, Wall S, Grieselhuber N, Saad A, Penza S, Efebera YA, Sharma N
Cancers (Basel)
October 27, 2022Comparison of Patient Outcomes With Two Different Formulations of Melphalan as Conditioning Chemotherapy for Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma.
Khan AM, Yucebay F, Zhao Q, Umyarova E, Cottini F, Bumma N, Rosko A, Benson D, Sharma N, Efebera Y, Devarakonda S
Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk
July 27, 2022Racial differences as predictors of outcomes in young patients with multiple myeloma.
Bao A, Zhao Q, Merritt E, Bumma N, Devarakonda S, Khan AM, Umyarova E, Rosko AE, Benson DM, Cottini F
Blood Cancer J
May 3, 2022Improvement in Post-Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Survival of Multiple Myeloma Patients: A Long-Term Institutional Experience.
Nunnelee J, Cottini F, Zhao Q, Faisal MS, Elder P, Rosko A, Bumma N, Khan A, Devarakonda S, Benson DM, Efebera Y, Sharma N
Cancers (Basel)
April 5, 2022Redefining CD56 as a biomarker and therapeutic target in Multiple Myeloma.
Cottini F, Rodriguez J, Hughes T, Sharma N, Guo L, Lozanski G, Liu B, Cocucci E, Yang Y, Benson D
Mol Cancer Res
January 1, 2022Impact of Race and Geographic Area of Residence on Outcomes After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant.
Sigmund AM, Zhao Q, Jiang J, Elder P, Benson DM, Rosko A, Bumma N, Khan A, Devarakonda S, Vasu S, Jaglowski S, Mims A, Choe H, Larkin K, Brammer J, Wall S, Grieselhuber N, Saad A, Penza S, Efebera YA, Sharma N
Front Oncol
January 1, 2022Incidence, Treatment, and Survival of Patients With T-Cell Lymphoma, T-Cell Large Granular Leukemia, and Concomitant Plasma Cell Dyscrasias.
Braunstein Z, McLaughlin E, Ruiz M, Wei L, Bumma N, Benson D, Devarakonda S, Chaudhry M, Khan A, Cottini F, Hanel W, Baiocchi R, Chung C, Addison D, Couette N, Meara A, Jarjour W, Porcu P, Mishra A, Reneau JC, Rosko AE, Brammer JE
Front Oncol
July 7, 2021Functional expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a potential novel therapeutic target in human multiple myeloma.
Hughes T, Cottini F, Catton E, Ciarlariello D, Chen L, Yang Y, Liu B, Mundy-Bosse BL, Benson DM
Leuk Lymphoma
June 27, 2021Outcomes of Bone Marrow Compared to Peripheral Blood for Haploidentical Transplantation.
Sharma N, Faisal MS, Zhao Q, Jiang J, Elder P, Benson DM, Rosko A, Chaudhry M, Bumma N, Khan A, Devarakonda S, Vasu S, Jaglowski S, Mims AS, Choe H, Larkin K, Brammer JE, Wall S, Grieselhuber N, Saad A, Penza S, Sigmund AM, Efebera YA
J Clin Med
March 22, 2021Hedgehog-induced PD-L1 on tumor-associated macrophages is critical for suppression of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cell function.
Petty AJ, Dai R, Lapalombella R, Baiocchi RA, Benson DM, Li Z, Huang X, Yang Y
JCI Insight
February 4, 2021Effect of Early Post-Transplantation Tacrolimus Concentration on the Risk of Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease in Allogenic Stem Cell Transplantation.
Sharma N, Zhao Q, Ni B, Elder P, Puto M, Benson DM, Rosko A, Chaudhry M, Devarakonda S, Bumma N, Khan A, Vasu S, Jaglowski S, William BM, Mims A, Choe H, Larkin K, Brammer J, Wall S, Grieselhuber N, Saad A, Penza S, Efebera Y
Cancers (Basel)
December 21, 2020AL amyloidosis: The effect of fluorescent in situ hybridization abnormalities on organ involvement and survival.
Ozga M, Zhao Q, Benson D, Elder P, Williams N, Bumma N, Rosko A, Chaudhry M, Khan A, Devarakonda S, Kahwash R, Vallakati A, Campbell C, Parikh SV, Almaani S, Prosek J, Bittengle J, Pfund K, LoRusso S, Freimer M, Redder E, Efebera Y, Sharma N
Cancer Med
November 23, 2020AL Amyloidosis: The Effect of Maintenance Therapy on Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation Outcomes.
Ozga M, Zhao Q, Benson D, Elder P, Williams N, Bumma N, Rosko A, Chaudhry M, Khan A, Devarakonda S, Kahwash R, Vallakati A, Campbell C, Parikh SV, Almaani S, Prosek J, Bittengle J, Pfund K, LoRusso S, Freimer M, Redder E, Efebera Y, Sharma N
J Clin Med
November 11, 2020Multiple Myeloma: Clinical Updates from the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Scientific Symposium 2020.
Devarakonda S, Cottini F, Bumma N, Khan A, Sharma N, Chaudhry M, Benson D, Rosko A, Efebera Y
J Clin Med
April 20, 2020Long-term follow-up of CALGB (Alliance) 100001: Autologous followed by non-myeloablative allogeneic transplant for multiple myeloma.
Holstein SA, Suman VJ, Owzar K, Santo K, Benson DM, Shea TC, Martin T, Silverman M, Isola L, Vij R, Cheson BD, Linker C, Anderson KC, Richardson PG, McCarthy PL
Biol Blood Marrow Transplant
April 15, 2020Fluoroquinolone Prophylaxis in Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation: Worthy of a Second Look.
Maakaron JE, Liscynesky C, Boghdadly ZE, Huang Y, Agyeman A, Brammer J, Penza S, Efebera Y, Benson D, Rosko A, William B, Jaglowski SM
Biol Blood Marrow Transplant
Consulting and Related Relationships
More info forAt The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the university requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their university responsibilities. As of 09/30/2024, Dr. Benson has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
Patient Comments
Every concern I have is addressed honestly. I have total confidence in my care providers.
Love Dr. Benson and staff
I appreciate the care and concern shown by these providers. Always ask our input and thoughts. And encourage making most of life.
This Provider explained everything to me clearly & I left there feeling very encouraged & very well taken care of.
Excellent concern for my concerns. Gave ample opportunity for my questions. Showed kindness and gave an individualized plan not another facilities's usual protocol.
Comes up with fight treatments
Concern for me as the patient
Fortunately, I have not been diagnosed with cancer at this time., but the care providers are keeping me informed about my situation.I have the utmost confidence in Dr. Benson and his team to monitor and treat my condition.
Could not receive better treatment anywhere
Dr. Benson has been my Oncologist for 10 years. My family and I know without a doubt he has helped save my life.
Dr. Benson was very kind and caring.
Dr Benson was great at informing us of the journey and our treatments and decisions. It appeared he would be there for however long we asked questions. There was absolutely no feeling of being rushed
Dr. Benson explained all my options and never made me feel rushed. He was very caring and patient. I trust him completely with my care.
Never any complaints
Dr. Benson is one of the most knowledgeable, compassionate, and helpful doctors I have ever known. He is a great communicator allowing this patient to fully understand his explanations. OSU and I are very fortunate to have him on our team .
I like Dr. Benson very much. He listen to you and tells what he thinks.
My "team" never lets me down
Good
Benson is excellent at answering all my questions.
Dr. Benson is one of the finest & compassionate physicians I have ever met.
Dr. Benson was wonderful
Dr Don Benson and his staff have my complete trust , and gratitude! I would never consider trusting my health to another oncologist!!
Dr Benson is and has been outstanding with care and compassion
Dr. Benson and his staff always show they care, and threat us respectfully. I am comfortable knowing I can reach out to them with any concerns.
Dr Benson is caring, knowledgeable and easy to talk to -takes his time to be sure I understand
Dr Benson could not have been more caring and helpful. He is amazing
Dr. Benson spent plenty of time and showed real interest in identify my iissues
Dr. Benson is a fantastic knowledgeable doctor. He is such a kind, caring and humble man. He makes me feel like I am his only patient when he is in the appointment with me.
The time and attention I received from my Oncology exceeded expectations.
Dr. Benson and his staff have always been positive and caring
Dr Benson is always very friendly,& answers my questions
Kudos Dr. Benson! I appreciate all your knowledge and ease of talking with you!
Dr. Benson and his staff are wonderful. It's always a pleasant experience to see them. I've known some the nurses and Physician Assistants for nearly two years. It says a lot about Dr. Benson that he retains his staff so well.
Dr Don Benson is an excellent doctor who really listens to his patients. He is very knowledgeable and compassionate and willing to go the extra mile when it is needed.
Dr. Benson is great! He's personable and has a very calm manner.
Dr. Benson is one of the most knowledgable, thorough, and caring physicians I have ever known. He is an extremely good listener and provides information and options to meet his patient's needs. I feel very fortunate to know and work with him on this journey with myeloma.
I feel fortunate to be in the care of Dr. Benson.
Dr Benson the best.
Dr Benson is wonderful. I have complete confidence in his advice and recommendations. He is calm and gives me hope.
Dr. Benson went above and beyond what I expected. I am blessed and grateful he is my doctor.
Dr. Benson is a joy!!!! Answered questions and showed me, the concerning values from last year's blood work. I appreciated his evaluation of the high values!!! NEVER,,, felt rushed!!! GGGGGGREAT provider!!!!!!!!!!
Excellent Team! Dr. Benson, SaritaD, Nikki, Gisele always provide great care, compassion, and follow-up!
He reaches me information about my meds and their value and intended treatment. I have been so enlightened that I now coach others with MM.
Dr Benson sat BESIDE ME, not across the room. Looked me in the eyes, not down at a paper. Very kind and deep-thinking individual. Spent more time with me than I expected and got a real sense of me and my situation.
Of all the specialist that I have seen over the last year ,Dr Benson has been the most personable and spent the most time explaining everything .
Excelente
Dr. Benson has the best bedside manner of any Dr. I
Dr. Benson is incredibly intelligent and kind.
I can't say enough about Dr. Benson and his staff. I trust them completely.
I feel blessed to be under the care of Dr Benson.
Dr. Benson and his team always very helpful, concerned, and professional
Dr. Benson is outstanding
I can't say enough good things about Dr. Benson. He is the kindest, most knowledgeable doctor I have EVER encountered. He takes time with me, I don't feel rushed, and he really seems to care about my condition and about me personally. He is all about quality of life and living with a cancer that may relapse. I tell so many people about him and what great bedside manner he has. I am very, very blessed that Dr Benson is my oncologist!
Always comes up with good treatments
Dr Benson is amazing and inspiring.<br />Dr Benson is amazing and inspiring.
Dr. Benson is my all-time favorite doctor due to his listening & truly caring. He also has a great sense of humor. I trust his expertise!
I can't say enough complimentary things about Dr. Benson and his staff.
Dr. Benson is very patient & puts me at ease.
Experience was extremely positive, as always.
I have complete confidence in Dr. Renson, and know he has my best interest in mind.
This team is the absolute best that I see. I'm always in better spirits after seeing them.