My research program investigates druggable mechanisms driving cancer with an emphasis on cell cycle and mitogenic signaling pathways (e.g., CDKs, RB1, ARF, p53, AKT, etc). Our efforts are currently focused on exploring the pathogenesis of two very different cancers – slowly growing neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and aggressive malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). NET patients generally live a long time following diagnosis due to the indolent nature of the disease, but more effective therapies are desperately needed once tumors become resistant to current treatments. By comparison, MPNSTs are deadly sarcomas in both children and adults, and sadly, there are no effective therapies for these patients.  

In our studies, we employ various model systems including cultured cells (normal and tumor-derived), mouse and pig cancer models, and human tumor specimens. Our research is interdisciplinary and collaborative, routinely involving interactions with other basic scientists, medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, endocrinologists, immunologists, human and veterinary pathologists, cancer geneticists, imaging experts, and bioinformaticians as well as biostatisticians. Our goal is to perform meaningful and innovative translational oncology that will improve therapies for cancer patients.