Dr. Elaine M. Majerus, MD, PhD

Expert Publications

• Structure of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (ADAMTS13), a metalloprotease involved in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
• O-fucosylation is required for ADAMTS13 secretion.
• ADAMTS13 bound to endothelial cells exhibits enhanced cleavage of von Willebrand
• Multi-step binding of ADAMTS-13 to von Willebrand factor.

Clinical Trials

• Low Dose Rituximab in Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Media Releases

Get to know Hematologist Dr. Elaine M. Majerus, who serves patients in St. Louis, Missouri.

A skilled hematologist, Dr. Majerus is the Director of the Washington University Center for the Treatment of Bleeding and Blood Clotting Disorders. Her areas of clinical interest include hemophilia and bleeding disorders, thrombosis, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.

The Washington University Center for the Treatment of Bleeding and Blood Clotting Disorders brings together experts from a range of specialties to provide comprehensive, integrated care to patients with bleeding, clotting, and other hematologic disorders in a federally supported center of excellence. The center has a specialty pharmacy and 340B Factor Program that patients may use for their home therapy and nursing needs. It also provides education on infusion and drug administration as part of one’s treatment plan.

Among her other academic and clinical appointments, Dr. Majerus holds an Interim Chief and Professor position at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Division of Hematology. She also sees patients at Center for Advanced Medicine Siteman Cancer Center, Center for Advanced Medicine – South County, Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital – Medical Building 2, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and Boone Hospital. 

With a broad educational background, Dr. Majerus holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and a Doctorate degree in Molecular Cell Biology and Biochemistry from the Washington University. She earned her medical degree at St. Louis University in 1998 and went on to complete her internship and residency in internal medicine at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Finally, she completed her fellowship in hematology-oncology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis in 2005. 

Licensed to practice medicine in Missouri and Illinois, the doctor is board-certified in internal medicine and hematology by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). The ABIM is a physician-led, non-profit, independent evaluation organization driven by doctors who want to achieve higher standards for better care in a rapidly changing world.

Advancing her efforts, Dr. Majerus is a member of the American Society of Hematology and the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Research Society.

“My research focus at this time is on improving treatment for bleeding disorders.

Hematology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study of the cause, prognosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to blood.. A hematologist  is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and  treatment of  blood disorders such as iron-deficiency anemia, clotting abnormalities, hemophilia, and sickle-cell disease.

As a testament to her success in the field, Dr. Majerus has accepted many awards and honors, including the Loretta Backer Scholarship, the Lucille P. Markey Research Fellow, the Alpha Omega Alpha Student Research Forum Prize, and the Physician-Scientist Training Program Fellow.

On a more personal note, she speaks  English and a little French.

Recommended Articles

• How to Cope with Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment

  Breast cancer chemotherapy side effects vary from person to person, and depend on radiation dose and frequency among many other factors. Your physical and mental health also play a role in how symptoms may affect you. Everyone is different, so there is no way to predict who may or may not experience...

• Can High Blood Pressure Benefit Those with Ovarian Cancer?

  Ovarian cancer is the most fatal of all reproductive cancers that women face. Fewer than half of the women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will survive more than five years after their diagnosis, leading to over 152,000 deaths each and every year. Cancer research programs are constantly trying to find...

• What Causes Lung Cancer?

  Lung cancer is the unsuppressed growth of cells in the tissues of the lungs. Such a condition leads to a tumor (malignant) which may spread (by metastasis) to different organs of the body if not treated in time. Cancer of the lung at the primary stage is also known as carcinoma. The two types of...

• What Medications Are Used for Prostate Cancer?

  Prostate cancer treatments can be administered to cure cancer or to manage or alleviate its symptoms. There are several ways of treating prostate cancer and the treatment options depend on various factors such as:...

• The "Pap Flap" Reconstructive Option for Breast Cancer

  For many with breast cancer, surgery to remove the breast is lifesaving. However, that does not mean it comes without its intense difficulties - both emotionally and physically. Many women opt to reconstruct the breast, but unfortunately some cannot use implants. "The Pap Flap" is a surgical...

• 10-Year-Old with Breast Cancer Teaches Life Lesson to Adults

  A young girl in Utah, at only ten years old, has had to battle breast cancer. Not only has she been brave and powerful in that, but she is also taking the time to inspire others - even adults who are much older.Chrissy's storyChrissy became the youngest recorded person to ever be diagnosed with...