Denise Adams, MD
Areas of expertise: Vascular malformations/birthmarks, Hemangiomas/birthmarks, Rare tumors
About Denise Adams, MD
Dr. Adams is a prominent pediatric hematologist-oncologist. She is the Director of the Comprehensive Vascular Anomalies Program (CVAP), a cutting-edge, multidisciplinary program that seeks breakthrough treatments and cures for children, adolescents and young adults with rare, life-threatening tumors and malformations of the vasculature, which includes the arteries, veins, capillaries, lymphatics and combined lesions.
As a leading expert in the field, Dr. Adams is actively engaged in clinical and translational research on complex vascular anomalies and regularly publishes studies in leading journals on the topic. She has received numerous awards, for her teaching and mentorship and for her research and clinical accomplishments. Hospitals, universities, and conferences around the world have invited her to speak on the topic of vascular anomalies, recognizing her expertise in this area.
Titles
Director of the Complex Vascular Anomalies Program (CVAP)
Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
Certifications
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology – American Board of Pediatrics
Pediatrics – American Board of Pediatrics
Awards and Honors
2022, Philadelphia Magazine's Top Doctors in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
2009-2016 Best Doctor - Cincy Magazine
2015-2016 Fellow, Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM), Drexel University College of Medicine
2016 Endowed Chair in Vascular Anomalies, Boston Children's Hospital
2016-2020 Best Doctors - Boston Magazine
2016 Inaugural George Buchanan Lectureship Award, American Society of Pediatric Hematology Oncology
Leadership and Memberships
International:
1996-present Children's Oncology Group (COG)
- Study Chair, O6BG in Treatment of Brain Tumors, 1996-2000
- Member, Renal Tumor Committee, 1996-2008
- Member, Relapsed AML Committee, 1996-2008
1998-present International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA)
- Member, Scientific Committee, 2012-present
- Member, Program Committee, 2018-present
- Elected Board Member, 2018-present
2008-present Hemangioma Investigator Group (HIG) (Member)
2017 French National Program for Clinical Research (PHRCN) (Grant Reviewer)
National:
1996-present American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
1996-present American Society of Hematology (ASH)
1996-present American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO) (Member 2006 - present; Chair Nominating Committee 2006-2009; Chair 2010-2012; Practice Committee 2008-2014; Program Committee 2008-present, Co-Chair, 2014-2016, Chair, 2016-2018, Past Chair 2018-2020; Education Committee 2008-2018; Certification and Continuing Education Committee (CCEC) 2009-2018; QI Panel 2013-2014; Humanism and Professionalism Project 2013-2014; CCEC/Certification Chair 2013-2015; Campaign for ASPHO-Executive Committee 2013-2016; Special Interest Group (SIG)/Vascular Anomalies 2013-present, Founder/Co-Chair 2013-2016, Chair Research Committee 2016-present, member of the Practice and Education Committee 2013-present; Special Interest Group/Palliative Care 2013-present; Educational Needs Assessment Committee 2014-2016)
1997-present National Organization of Vascular Anomalies (NOVA) (Medical Director 1998-present; Web Content Reviewer 2017)
2003-present Lymphangiomatosis and Gorham's Disease Alliance (LGDA) (Founding Member, LGDA Medical Advisory Council 2003-Present)
2006-present Klippel-Trenauney (K-T) Support Group
- Medical Director, 2006-present
- Advisory Board Member, 2006-present
- Conference Speaker at the Mayo Clinic, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018
2009-present Lymphangiomatosis and Gorham's Disease Alliance (Advisory Board Member)
2011-present American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
2011-2018 Georgetown University Alumni Admissions Program (AAP) (Interviewer)
2012-present Cloves Syndrome Community
- Physician Panelist and Guest Speaker, CLOVES Family Conference 2013, 2015, 2019 - Scientific and Medical Advisory Board Member, 2016-present
2012-present Cloves Syndrome Foundation (Advisory Board Member)
2014 NHLBI/NIH/DHHS (Grant Reviewer, Special Emphasis Panel - Angiogenesis)
2014-present PHACE Syndrome Community (Medical Advisory Board Member; Meeting Speaker 2016, 2018, 2020)
2016 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) (Invited Reviewer, Evidence-based Practice Center Program)
2016-present Epithelioid Hemangioedothelioma (EHE) Foundation (Medical Advisory Board Member)
2016-2017 National Institutes of Health (NIH) (Grant Reviewer, Special Emphasis Panel/Scientific Review Group ZRG1 OTC-Y(10) B Development of Cancer Therapeutics)
2018-present American Pediatric Society (APS) (Elected Member)
2018 Dept. of Defense Health Program (Chair, PRMRP Discovery Award Vascular Malformations Review; Grant Reviewer)
Local:
2010-2016 Ronald McDonald House/Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (Advisory Board Member)
Education & training
Medical Degree
MD - Georgetown University School of Medicine (Medicine), Washington, D.C.
Internship
Intern - Obstetrics/Gynecology, Medical Center Hospital of Vermont/ University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
Intern - Pediatrics, Medical Center Hospital of Vermont/ University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
Residency
Resident - Pediatrics, Medical Center Hospital of Vermont/ University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
Fellowship
Clinical Fellow - Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
Publications
Publications
Research Publications, peer reviewed (print or other media):
2020
Cournoyer Eily, Al-Ibraheemi Alyaa, Engel Elissa, Chaudry Gulraiz, Stapleton Stacie, Adams Denise M: Clinical characterization and long-term outcomes in pediatric epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. Pediatric blood & cancer 67(2): e28045, Feb 2020.
Wang Kemble K, Glenn Rachel L, Adams Denise M, Alomari Ahmad I, Al-Ibraheemi Alyaa, Anderson Megan E, Chaudry Gulraiz, Fishman Steven J, Greene Arin K, Shaikh Raja, Trenor Cameron C, Kozakewich Harry P, Spencer Samantha A: Surgical Management of Fibroadipose Vascular Anomaly of the Lower Extremities. Journal of pediatric orthopedics 40(3): e227-e23, Mar 2020.
Fernández Karen S, de Alarcon Alessandro, Adams Denise M, Hammill Adrienne M: Sirolimus for the treatment of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. Pediatric blood & cancer 67(4): e28162, Apr 2020.
Frieden Ilona J, Püttgen Katherine B, Drolet Beth A, Garzon Maria C, Chamlin Sarah L, Pope Elena, Mancini Anthony J, Lauren Christine T, Mathes Erin F, Siegel Dawn H, Gupta Deepti, Haggstrom Anita N, Tollefson Megha M, Baselga Eulalia, Morel Kimberly D, Shah Sonal D, Holland Kristen E, Adams Denise M, Horii Kimberly A, Newell Brandon D, Powell Julie, McCuaig Catherine C, Nopper Amy J, Metry Denise W, Maguiness Sheilagh; Hemangioma Investigator Group: Management of Infantile Hemangiomas during the COVID Pandemic. Pediatric Dermatology Apr 2020.
Püttgen Katherine B, Hansen Leanna M, Lauren Christine, Stefanko Nicole, Mathes Erin, Olsen Gerilyn M, Tollefson Megha M, Adams Denise, Baselga Eulalia, Chamlin Sarah, Corey Kristen, Frascari Flora F, Frieden Ilona J, Galligan Eloise R, Gupta Deepti, Haggstrom Anita, Horii Kimberly, Hornik Christoph Paul, Klajn Justyna, Liberman Leonardo, Mancini Anthony, Mannschreck Diana, McGinness Anelah, McCuaig Catherine, Newell Brandon, Nguyen Henry, Nopper Amy, Oyesanya Tola, Powell Julie, Reynolds Megan, Rios Monica, Siegel Dawn H, Ward Kendra, Garzon Maria C, Frommelt Peter, Drolet Beth A: Limited Utility of Repeated Vital Sign Monitoring During Initiation of OralPropranolol for Complicated Infantile Hemangioma Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Apr 2020.
2019
Liu Kevin X, Duggan Eileen M, Al-Ibraheemi Alyaa, Shaikh Raja, Adams Denise M: Characterization of long-term outcomes for pediatric patients with epithelioid hemangioma. Pediatric blood & cancer 66(1): e27451, Jan 2019.
Higgs Cecilia, Crow Yanick J, Adams Denise M, Chang Emmanuel, Hayes Don, Herbig Utz, Huang James N, Himes Ryan, Jajoo Kunal, Johnson F Brad, Reynolds Susan D, Yonekawa Yoshihiro, Armanios Mary, Boulad Farid, DiNardo Courtney D, Dufour Carlo, Goldman Frederick D, Khan Shakila, Kratz Christian, Myers Kasiani C, Raghu Ganesh, Alter Blanche P, Aubert Geraldine, Bhala Sonia, Cowen Edward W, Dror Yigal, El-Youssef Mounif, Friedman Bruce, Giri Neelam, Helms Guba Lisa, Khincha Payal P, Lin Tiffany F, Longhurst Hilary, McReynolds Lisa J, Nelson Adam, Olson Tim, Pariser Anne, Perona Rosario, Sasa Ghadir, Schratz Kristen, Simonetto Douglas A, Townsley Danielle, Walsh Michael, Stevens Katherine, Agarwal Suneet, Bertuch Alison A, Savage Sharon A: Understanding the evolving phenotype of vascular complications in telomere biology disorders. Angiogenesis 22(1): 95-102, Feb 2019.
Ricci Kiersten W, Hammill Adrienne M, Mobberley-Schuman Paula, Nelson Stephen C, Blatt Julie, Bender Julia L Glade, McCuaig Catherine C, Synakiewicz Anna, Frieden Ilona J, Adams Denise M: Efficacy of systemic sirolimus in the treatment of generalized lymphatic anomaly and Gorham-Stout disease. Pediatric blood & cancer 66(5): e27614, May 2019.
Barclay Sarah F, Inman Kyle W, Luks Valerie L, McIntyre John B, Al-Ibraheemi Alyaa, Church Alanna J, Perez-Atayde Antonio R, Mangray Shamlal, Jeng Michael, Kreimer Sara R, Walker Lori, Fishman Steven J, Alomari Ahmad I, Chaudry Gulraiz, Trenor Iii Cameron C, Adams Denise, Kozakewich Harry P W, Kurek Kyle C: A somatic activating NRAS variant associated with kaposiform lymphangiomatosis. Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics 21(7): 1517-1524, Jul 2019.
Boscolo Elisa, Pastura Patricia, Glaser Kathryn, Goines Jillian, Hammill Adrienne M, Adams Denise M, Dickie Peter, Hsi Dickie Belinda, Le Cras Timothy D: Signaling pathways and inhibitors of cells from patients with kaposiform lymphangiomatosis. Pediatric blood & cancer 66(8): e27790, Aug 2019.
Engel Elissa R, Cournoyer Eily, Adams Denise M, Stapleton Stacie: A Retrospective Review of the Use of Sirolimus for Pediatric Patients With Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma (EHE). Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology Page: doi: 10.1097, Nov 2019 Notes: epub ahead of print.
Goss Jeremy A, Konczyk Dennis J, Smits Patrick J, Kozakewich Harry P W, Alomari Ahmad I, Al-Ibraheemi Alyaa, Taghinia Amir H, Dickie Belinda H, Adams Denise M, Fishman Steven J, Mulliken John B, Warman Matthew L, Greene Arin K: Intramuscular fast-flow vascular anomaly contains somatic MAP2K1 and KRAS mutations. Angiogenesis 22(4): 547-552, Nov 2019.
Blatt Julie, Finger Mellenee, Price Victoria, Crary Shelley E, Pandya Arti, Adams Denise M: Cancer Risk in Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome. Lymphatic research and biology 17(6): 630-636, Dec 2019.
Olsen Gerilyn M, Hansen Leanna M, Stefanko Nicole S, Mathes Erin, Puttgen Katherine B, Tollefson Megha M, Lauren Christine, Mancini Anthony J, McCuaig Catherine C, Frieden Ilona J, Adams Denise, Baselga Eulalia, Chamlin Sarah, Gupta Deepti, Frommelt Peter, Garzon Maria C, Horii Kimberly, Klajn Justyna, Maheshwari Mohit, Newell Brandon, Nguyen Henry L, Nopper Amy, Powell Julie, Siegel Dawn H, Drolet Beth A: Evaluating the Safety of Oral Propranolol Therapy in Patients With PHACE Syndrome. JAMA dermatology Page: doi: 10.1001, Dec 2019 Notes: epub ahead of print.
2018
Chadwick Michelle L, Lane Adam, Thomas Dana, Smith Amanda R, White Angela R, Davidson Dominique, Feng Yuxin, Boscolo Elisa, Zheng Yi, Adams Denise M, Gupta Anita, Veillette André, Chow Lionel M L: Combined mTOR and MEK inhibition is an effective therapy in a novel mouse model for angiosarcoma. Oncotarget 9(37): 24750-24765, May 2018.
Michel ME, Konczyk DJ, Yeung KS, Murillo R, Vivero MP, Hall AM, Zurakowski D, Adams D, Gupta A, Huang AY, Bhung BHY, Warman ML.: Causal somatic mutations in urine DNA from persons with the CLOVES subgroup of the PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum. Journal of Medical Genetics 93(5): 1075-80, May 2018.
Reis Joseph, Alomari Ahmad I, Trenor Cameron C, Adams Denise M, Fishman Steven J, Spencer Samantha A, Shaikh Raja, Lillis Anna P, Surnedi Murali K, Chaudry Gulraiz: Pulmonary thromboembolic events in patients with congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformations, epidermal nevi, and spinal/skeletal abnormalities and Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome. Journal of vascular surgery. Venous and lymphatic disorders 6(4): 511-516, Jul 2018.
Biderman Waberski Marta, Lindhurst Marjorie, Keppler-Noreuil Kim M, Sapp Julie C, Baker Laura, Gripp Karen W, Adams Denise M, Biesecker Leslie G: Urine cell-free DNA is a biomarker for nephroblastomatosis or Wilms tumor in PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum (PROS). Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics 20(9): 1077-1081, Sep 2018.
Goines Jillian, Li Xian, Cai Yuqi, Mobberley-Schuman Paula, Metcalf Megan, Fishman Steven J, Adams Denise M, Hammill Adrienne M, Boscolo Elisa: A xenograft model for venous malformation. Angiogenesis 21(4): 725-735, Nov 2018.
Iacobas Ionela, Phung Thuy L, Adams Denise M, Trenor Cameron C, Blei Francine, Fishman Douglas S, Hammill Adrienne, Masand Prakash M, Fishman Steven J: Guidance Document for Hepatic Hemangioma (Infantile and Congenital) Evaluation and Monitoring. The Journal of pediatrics 203: 294-300.e2, Dec 2018.
2017
Le Cras Timothy D, Mobberley-Schuman Paula S, Broering Mary, Fei Lin, Trenor Cameron C, Adams Denise M: Angiopoietins as serum biomarkers for lymphatic anomalies. Angiogenesis 20(1): 163-173, Feb 2017.
Rössler Jochen, Geiger Julia, Földi Etelka, Adams Denise M, Niemeyer Charlotte M: Sirolimus is highly effective for lymph leakage in microcystic lymphatic malformations with skin involvement. International journal of dermatology 56(4): e72-e75, Apr 2017.
Goldenberg Dov C, Carvas Marcelo, Adams Denise, Giannotti Marcelo, Gemperli Rolf: Successful Treatment of a Complex Vascular Malformation With Sirolimus and Surgical Resection. Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology 39(4): e191-e195, May 2017.
Mizuno Tomoyuki, Fukuda Tsuyoshi, Emoto Chie, Mobberley-Schuman Paula S, Hammill Adrienne M, Adams Denise M, Vinks Alexander A: Developmental pharmacokinetics of sirolimus: Implications for precision dosing in neonates and infants with complicated vascular anomalies. Pediatric blood & cancer 64(8): doi: 10.1002, Aug 2017 Notes: epub.
Mizuno Tomoyuki, Emoto Chie, Fukuda Tsuyoshi, Hammill Adrienne M, Adams Denise M, Vinks Alexander A: Model-based precision dosing of sirolimus in pediatric patients with vascular anomalies. European journal of pharmaceutical sciences : official journal of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences 109S: S124-S131, Nov 2017.
Visscher M O, Burkes S A, Adams D M, Hammill A M, Wickett R R: Infant skin maturation: Preliminary outcomes for color and biomechanical properties. Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI) 23(4): 545-551, Nov 2017.
Weber Fabiola C, Greene Arin K, Adams Denise M, Liang Marilyn G, Alomari Mohammed H, Voss Stephan D, Chaudry Gulraiz: Role of imaging in the diagnosis of parotid infantile hemangiomas. International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology 102: 61-66, Nov 2017.
Peterman Caitlin M, Fevurly R Dawn, Alomari Ahmad I, Trenor Cameron C, Adams Denise M, Vadeboncoeur Sophie, Liang Marilyn G, Greene Arin K, Mulliken John B, Fishman Steven J: Sonographic screening for Wilms tumor in children with CLOVES syndrome. Pediatric blood & cancer 64(12): doi: 10.1002, Dec 2017 Notes: epub ahead of print.
2016
Adams Denise M, Trenor Cameron C, Hammill Adrienne M, Vinks Alexander A, Patel Manish N, Chaudry Gulraiz, Wentzel Mary Sue, Mobberley-Schuman Paula S, Campbell Lisa M, Brookbank Christine, Gupta Anita, Chute Carol, Eile Jennifer, McKenna Jesse, Merrow Arnold C, Fei Lin, Hornung Lindsey, Seid Michael, Dasgupta A Roshni, Dickie Belinda H, Elluru Ravindhra G, Lucky Anne W, Weiss Brian, Azizkhan Richard G: Efficacy and Safety of Sirolimus in the Treatment of Complicated Vascular Anomalies. Pediatrics 137(2): e20153257, Feb 2016.
Greco M Fernanda, Frieden Ilona J, Drolet Beth A, Garzon María C, Mancini Anthony J, Chamlin Sarah L, Metry Denise, Adams Denise, Lucky Anne, Wentzel Mary Sue, Horii Kimberly A, Baselga Eulalia, McCuaig Catherine C, Powell Julie, Haggstrom Anita, Siegel Dawn, Morel Kimberly D, Cordisco M Rosa, Nopper Amy J, Krol Alfons: Infantile Hemangiomas in Twins: A Prospective Cohort Study. Pediatric dermatology 33(2): 178-83, Mar-Apr 2016.
Shah Sonal D, Baselga Eulalia, McCuaig Catherine, Pope Elena, Coulie Julien, Boon Laurence M, Garzon Maria C, Haggstrom Anita N, Adams Denise, Drolet Beth A, Newell Brandon D, Powell Julie, García-Romero Maria Teresa, Chute Carol, Roe Esther, Siegel Dawn H, Grimes Barbara, Frieden Ilona J: Rebound Growth of Infantile Hemangiomas After Propranolol Therapy. Pediatrics 137(4): e20151754, Apr 2016.
Emoto C, Fukuda T, Mizuno T, Schniedewind B, Christians Uwe, Adams D M, Vinks A A: Characterizing the Developmental Trajectory of Sirolimus Clearance in Neonates and Infants. CPT: pharmacometrics & systems pharmacology 5(8): 411-7, Aug 2016.
Püttgen Katherine, Lucky Anne, Adams Denise, Pope Elena, McCuaig Catherine, Powell Julie, Feigenbaum Dana, Savva Yulia, Baselga Eulalia, Holland Kristen, Drolet Beth, Siegel Dawn, Morel Kimberly D, Garzon Maria C, Mathes Erin, Lauren Christine, Nopper Amy, Horii Kimberly, Newell Brandon, Song Wei, Frieden Ilona: Topical Timolol Maleate Treatment of Infantile Hemangiomas. Pediatrics 138(3): e20160355, Sep 2016.
Burkes Shoná A, Patel Manish, Adams Denise M, Hammill Adrienne M, Eaton Kenneth P, Randall Wickett R, Visscher Marty O: Infantile hemangioma status by dynamic infrared thermography: A preliminary study. International journal of dermatology 55(10): e522-32, Oct 2016.
Salloum Ralph, Fox Courtney E, Alvarez-Allende Carlos R, Hammill Adrienne M, Dasgupta Roshni, Dickie Belinda H, Mobberley-Schuman Paula, Wentzel Mary Sue, Chute Carol, Kaul Ajay, Patel Manish, Merrow Arnold C, Gupta Anita, Whitworth John R, Adams Denise M: Response of Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome to Sirolimus Treatment. Pediatric blood & cancer 63(11): 1911-4, Nov 2016.
Visscher M O, Burkes S A, Adams D M, Gupta A, Wickett R R: Biomechanical properties of infantile hemangiomas: clinical stage and effect of age. Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI) 22(4): 487-496, Nov 2016.
2015
Kesselheim Jennifer C, Atlas Mark, Adams Denise, Aygun Banu, Barfield Ray, Eisenman Kristen, Fulbright Joy, Garvey Katharine, Kersun Leslie, Nageswara Rao Amulya, Reilly Anne, Sharma Mukta, Shereck Evan, Wang Michael, Watt Tanya, Leavey Patrick: Humanism and professionalism education for pediatric hematology-oncology fellows: A model for pediatric subspecialty training. Pediatric blood & cancer 62(2): 335-340, Feb 2015.
Chamlin Sarah L, Mancini Anthony J, Lai Jin-Shei, Beaumont Jennifer L, Cella David, Adams Denise, Drolet Beth, Baselga Eulalia, Frieden Ilona J, Garzon Maria, Holland Kristin, Horii Kimberly A, Lucky Anne W, McCuaig Catherine, Metry Denise, Morel Kimberly D, Newell Brandon D, Nopper Amy J, Powell Julie, Siegel Dawn, Haggstrom Anita N: Development and Validation of a Quality-of-Life Instrument for Infantile Hemangiomas. The Journal of investigative dermatology 135(6): 1533-1539, Jun 2015.
Calvo-Garcia Maria A, Kline-Fath Beth M, Adams Denise M, Gupta Anita, Koch Bernadette L, Lim Foong-Yen, Laor Tal: Imaging evaluation of fetal vascular anomalies. Pediatric radiology 45(8): 1218-29, Jul 2015.
Burkes S, Adams D, Hammill A, Chute C, Eaton K, Welge J, Wickett R, Visscher M.: Skin Imaging Modalities Quantify Progression and Stage of Infantile Hemangiomas. British Journal of Dermatology 173(3): 838-841, Sep 2015.
Emoto C, Fukuda T, Johnson T, Adams D, Vinks A. : Development of a pediatric PBPK model for sirolimus: Applying principles of growth and maturation in neonates and infants. Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology Page: 127-134, 2015.
Sun Shaogang, Chen Song, Liu Fei, Wu Haige, McHugh Jonathan, Bergin Ingrid L, Gupta Anita, Adams Denise, Guan Jun-Lin: Constitutive Activation of mTORC1 in Endothelial Cells Leads to the Development and Progression of Lymphangiosarcoma through VEGF Autocrine Signaling. Cancer cell 28(6): 758-772, Dec 2015.