Research

Research Focus

We are interested in understanding the mechanisms by which cancer cells communicate with the tumor microenvironment, especially the role of communications plays in cancer progression. By understanding the mechanisms of communication, we aim to develop novel therapeutics to block signaling and prevent cancer progression. Our research has found cancer cells expressing a cancer stem cell marker, integrin αvβ3, accumulate macrophages in their microenvironment. Using an anti-αvβ3 antibody, we have been able to alter these tumor-associated macrophages to target and eliminate cancer cells that contribute to drug resistance. Our group continues to explore how cancer cells recruit the macrophages to the microenvironment and promote the change in their phenotypes to become pro-tumor macrophages.

We are also interested in understanding how normal and immune cell communication affects tumorigenesis triggered by tissue damages such as inflammation. We are currently evaluating how chronic pancreatitis can progress to pancreatic cancer following similar pathways described above in pancreas epithelial cells and immune cells.