Dr. Gabriel Oliveira Sawakuchi's lab focuses on combining innovative radiation therapy techniques with pharmacologic strategies to enhance the immune response against cancer. The lab investigates how high-energy alpha particles and inhibitors of DNA repair can work together to activate the immune system, particularly in difficult-to-treat solid tumors. This research seeks to improve cancer treatment outcomes and develop new therapeutic approaches for patients with advanced cancers.

Dr. Li Ma's research lab focuses on improving the treatment of bone metastasis in cancer patients, particularly in breast cancer. They investigate a protein called ACBP, which influences how cancer cells metabolize fats and survive in bone tissue. By understanding ACBP's role in tumor biology, the lab aims to develop new therapeutic strategies that target bone metastasis more effectively than current treatments, which mainly alleviate symptoms but do not address the underlying cancer.

Dr. Jae-Il Park's lab focuses on understanding the biology and treatment of aggressive cancers, specifically small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The lab employs cutting-edge model systems, including genetically engineered mouse models and organoids, to investigate how tumor suppressor genes and immune landscape remodeling affect cancer initiation and progression. By uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind these cancers, the lab aims to identify novel therapeutic targets and improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Lilie Leming Lin's research focuses on understanding how biological aging affects immunity and cancer outcomes in women living with HIV, particularly those with cervical cancer. Her lab investigates the differences in biological aging between HIV-positive and HIV-negative cervical cancer patients and how this aging impacts their responses to standard cancer treatments. The goal is to identify biomarkers of aging that could help personalize treatment approaches for these populations.

Dr. Rebecca Maureen Howell's lab focuses on improving the health outcomes of childhood cancer survivors, particularly in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The lab is working on creating advanced models to predict cardiovascular risks based on specific doses of radiation received during cancer treatment. By personalizing risk assessments, they aim to improve both current treatment planning and future healthcare strategies for survivors.

David Fuentes' lab specializes in developing sophisticated mathematical models to understand and optimize a new therapeutic approach for treating liver cancer. The team focuses on how fluids behave and transfer heat within biological tissues, especially during a treatment called thermoembolization. Their interdisciplinary approach combines knowledge from areas like imaging, biochemistry, and interventional radiology to enhance cancer treatment protocols.

Dr. Clifton David Fuller leads research focused on improving the care and quality of life for patients with head and neck cancers. His lab uses advanced imaging techniques and artificial intelligence to better detect and prevent lymphedema and fibrosis—complications that many survivors experience after treatment. By enhancing CT scans and treatment planning, the goal is to help patients face fewer long-term health issues after cancer treatment.

Dr. Wen Jiang's lab focuses on innovative cancer immunotherapy techniques, particularly using macrophages to target solid tumors like breast cancer and glioblastoma. The research aims to engineer macrophages in vivo to enhance their ability to fight tumors by using mRNA-loaded exosomes, which may simplify current cell therapy methods. This work is significant as it seeks to overcome challenges in traditional CAR T cell therapies, making cancer treatments more effective.

Dr. Chun Li's lab focuses on developing new therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer that is becoming increasingly common. The lab is exploring the use of polymeric micelles that can deliver dual drug therapies effectively to target cancer stem cells and other tumor cells. This innovative approach aims to improve treatment outcomes and ultimately provide better survival rates for HCC patients.

Dr. Zhongxing Liao's lab at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center focuses on improving the safety and effectiveness of radiation therapy for lung cancer patients. Their primary goal is to minimize the risk of heart damage caused by radiation treatments by developing a personalized risk assessment model that considers individual patient factors. By analyzing pre-existing cardiovascular risks, they aim to guide physicians in choosing the most suitable treatment plans for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and quality of life.

Dr. Amy Catherine Moreno's lab focuses on improving the oral health of patients who have undergone radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. They aim to understand and mitigate the dental problems that can arise post-treatment, such as tooth loss and infections. By using advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and data models, the lab seeks to develop better diagnostic and management strategies for these oral complications, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for cancer survivors.

Dr. Helen M. Piwnica-Worms' lab focuses on understanding how fasting before radiation therapy can protect healthy cells from damage. By studying the effects of fasting on small intestinal cells, the lab aims to find ways to enhance the treatment of cancer while reducing adverse effects in patients. The research has implications for improving the safety of radiation therapies by leveraging dietary interventions.

Dr. Di Zhao's lab focuses on understanding and targeting specific factors involved in advanced prostate cancer, particularly the roles of B7-H3 and ASH1L. The lab's research aims to develop new therapies that can effectively combat castration-resistant prostate cancer by targeting these molecules, which are crucial in how cancer cells interact with the immune system and the tumor microenvironment. The ultimate goal is to improve treatment outcomes for patients with aggressive prostate cancer.

Dr. Ho-Ling Anthony Liu's lab focuses on improving the way we map and understand critical brain functions for patients undergoing surgery for conditions like brain tumors and epilepsy. They are developing innovative software tools that enhance the analysis of brain imaging data, allowing for more accurate localization of important brain areas without relying on patients to perform specific tasks. Their work aims to increase the number of patients who benefit from advanced brain imaging techniques, ultimately improving surgical outcomes and preserving vital brain functions.

Dr. Christopher Chad Quarles' research lab focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors, particularly gliomas. The lab is working on two main projects: refining an MRI imaging protocol to better assess brain tumors and developing mathematical models to predict how individual tumors respond to therapies. These efforts aim to enhance patient management by providing more accurate tools for clinicians.

Dr. Junjie Chen's lab at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center focuses on understanding how cells repair DNA damage and the role of specific enzymes in cancer treatment. They explore the mechanisms behind DNA topoisomerases, which are crucial for managing DNA structure during crucial cellular processes. The lab aims to develop improved cancer therapies by targeting DNA repair pathways and enhancing the effectiveness of current treatment strategies.

Dr. Marites Pasuelo Melancon's research focuses on improving treatments for liver cancer patients by developing innovative drug delivery systems. Her lab aims to enhance liver regeneration before surgeries by creating degradable scaffolds that release a bile acid called obeticholic acid (OCA). This approach not only aids in the growth of healthy liver tissue but also reduces the risks of complications after surgery. Ultimately, her work could help more patients qualify for lifesaving liver surgeries.

Dr. Pawel K. Mazur’s lab focuses on understanding the roles of specific enzymes in lung cancer progression and treatment. The research investigates the regulation of lung squamous cell carcinoma and small cell lung cancer through the study of epigenetic factors such as NSD3, CARM1, and NSD2. By utilizing advanced mouse models and pharmacological approaches, the lab aims to uncover new therapeutic targets to improve cancer treatments and outcomes for patients.

Dr. Lauren Colbert's lab focuses on understanding the role of specific bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus iners, in cervical cancer. The lab investigates how these bacteria influence cancer cell behavior and patient outcomes, aiming to develop new therapies that target the tumor microbiome. This research is especially important for improving treatment options for underserved populations affected by cervical cancer.

Dr. Emil Schueler's research lab focuses on improving cancer treatment through innovative radiation therapies. By investigating ultra-high dose rate radiotherapy, also known as FLASH radiotherapy, the lab aims to enhance tumor control while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This work could transform standard radiation therapy, making it safer and more effective for cancer patients.