James R. Berenson, MD
The Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research
President & Chief Executive Officer
Medical & Scientific Director


Dr. James R. Berenson has specialized in research related to myeloma and metastatic bone disease both in the lab and with patients for 25 years. As a scientist and physician, he has been involved in many of the major research breakthroughs that have brought new treatments for patients with these diseases resulting in remarkable increases for patient’s longevity and quality of life.

Dr. Berenson serves as a member of the National Institutes of Health - Center for Scientific Review, Clinical Oncology Study Section. He is a member of the Scientific Boards of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and the International Myeloma Foundation. He serves on both the Foundation and the Scientific Boards of the Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma Society. He also works with many other groups known for their work in multiple myeloma and bone metastases.

After receiving a Bachelor of Science with Distinction from Stanford University, he earned his Doctorate in Medicine from the University of California at San Diego. Dr. Berenson completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Utah Medical Center and fellowships in hematology/oncology at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). He has duel certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine and medical oncology. He has medical privileges with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and served as the Director of the Multiple Myeloma & Bone Metastasis Programs in the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology. Dr. Berenson has performed research as a member of the Departments of Medicine and Biological Chemistry at the UCLA School of Medicine and has served as Chief of Medical Oncology and Cancer Research as well as Director of Research at the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Administration Healthcare Systems. Dr. Berenson has authored and co-authored numerous books, articles, and abstracts in journals including Blood, Cancer, Cancer Research, Journal of Clinical Investigation, Journal of Clinical Oncology, New England Journal of Medicine, and Science.

In addition to his research interests in myeloma and metastatic bone disease, he also studies antibodies, T-cell receptors, cytokines, cancer genes, viruses and blood vessel development. Dr. Berenson has also conducted numerous clinical trials related to the treatment of multiple myeloma and metastatic bone disease. Because he is internationally known for his expertise and accomplishments in these areas, he has also been asked to give numerous lectures and organize many meetings both nationally and internationally.

Aside from his work as Medical and Scientific Director of The Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research, Dr. Berenson has a private oncology practice specializing in the treatment of patients with myeloma and metastatic bone disease and treats many patients both in Los Angeles, California where the clinic is located and as an adjunct medical consultant to patient’s primary oncologist throughout the world. He is also President and Chief Executive Officer of Oncotherapeutics, Inc., a corporation that conducts clinical cancer trials throughout the United States.

Dr. Berenson was born and raised in Portland, OR. He and his wife, Debra who is a television and stage actress have been married for many years. They have two daughters.