Avery Sandberg

Avery Sandberg (1918-2016) was an American hematologist and cytogeneticist known for his significant contributions to the field of medical genetics. He was particularly recognized for his work on the Sandberg's Atlas of Chromosomes in Human Cancer and Leukemia, a comprehensive guide to the chromosome abnormalities associated with various types of cancer and leukemia.

Early Life and Education

Avery Sandberg was born in 1918 in New York City. He completed his undergraduate studies at the City College of New York and went on to earn his medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine in 1942. Following his graduation, Sandberg served as a medical officer in the United States Army during World War II.

Career

After the war, Sandberg returned to New York and began his career at the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York. He spent the majority of his career at Roswell Park, where he served as the Director of the Department of Cytogenetics for over 30 years.

Sandberg's research primarily focused on the cytogenetic abnormalities in human cancers and leukemias. He was one of the first scientists to demonstrate that specific chromosome abnormalities were associated with specific types of cancer. This work led to the development of the Sandberg's Atlas of Chromosomes in Human Cancer and Leukemia, which has been widely used as a reference in the field of medical genetics.

Legacy

Avery Sandberg's work has had a profound impact on the field of medical genetics. His research has helped to improve our understanding of the genetic basis of cancer and has paved the way for the development of targeted therapies for various types of cancer.