Cancer Prevention and Control
Developmental Therapeutics
Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanism
Imaging and Radiation
Tumor Microenvironment
MD
Dr. Amy Fowler, Dr. Kristina Matkowskyj
I am a part of the Breast and Gynecologic and Cytopathology subspecialty team. As a part of that, I have worked with Dr. Amy Fowler whose research has been impactful in the breast cancer world. In collaboration, we have published several manuscripts and presented our research at national meetings. I have been a member of the Breast Cancer Research Advisory Network since 2014.
I am also the Director of the Surgical Pathology division that comprises about 29 pathologists across subspecialties such as Breast and Gynecologic, GU/ENT, GI, etc. As a part of this role, I am involved in the internal review and approval of IRBs routed to my division to ensure that they receive appropriate division and laboratory resources. A large part of these are projects are cancer center related. Additionally, I am a part of my department’s Research Support Workgroup.
Cancer Prevention and Control
Developmental Therapeutics
MD
MS
Paul Weisman (colleague)
Pathology Department R&D Award 08/2021- current ($29,513)
Title: Biomarkers associated with pilar differentiation in non-cutaneous carcinomas
Role: Co-Investigator with Dr. Paul Weisman
Pathology Department R&D Award 03/2021- current ($12,059)
Title: Clinicopathological impact of basal-like phenotype on ER low breast cancers
Role: Principle Investigator
Pathology Department R&D Award 02/2020 - current ($8,668)
Title: Stratification of low-grade cervical and vulvar lesions using HPV-related biomarkers
Role: Co-Investigator with Dr. Megan Fitzpatrick
Pathology Department R&D Award 02/2020 - current ($11,000)
Title: TILs and PD-L1 in High Grade Serous Carcinoma
Role: Co-Investigator with Dr. Stephanie McGregor
My research focuses primarily on cancers arising in women, including gynecological tract neoplasms and breast cancer. I aim to advance our understanding of the mechanisms of tumor progression and acquired resistance to therapy, in order to develop biomarkers that will help clinicians to tailor their treatment of patients with these diseases.
R00CA234391-03 Characterization of the role of super-enhancers in ovarian cancer treatment response LANG, JESSICA (PI)
Epigenetic dysfunction is common in ovarian cancers, particularly somatic mutation to specific epigenetic modifier genes, such as members of the SWI/SNF complex. Our lab seeks to understand the consequent epigenetic landscapes in ovarian cancers with these mutations, how it is modified by current standard of care therapies, and identify therapeutics targeting this epigenetic dysfunction.
UW SMPH start-up package includes $25,000 grant from the UWCCC in the form of a grant for a pilot project that has a UWCCC co-PI who is not a member of the Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention
National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (AA025451)
“Characterizing Low Alcohol Sensitivity in Laboratory and Real-World Contexts” (R01)
Period: 3/1/18-2/28/23
Total Direct Costs: $1,602,144 (MPIs: Bartholow & Piasecki)
My research focuses on motivational processes in addictive behaviors, particularly tobacco and alcohol use. These behaviors are risk factors for multiple forms of cancer. I also study smoking cessation treatments, processes. and outcomes. I am interested in using genetically informative data to identify environmental and genetic risks for addictive behaviors, including tobacco-related phenotypes such as tobacco dependence, smoking heaviness, withdrawal symptom severity, and relapse to smoking.
I am interested in genetic and environmental factors that contribute to tobacco use, from initial initiation of use to cessation among those nicotine dependent.
Alejandro Roldan Alzate, Scott Reeder, Thomas Grist, Jason Abel
DoD grants pending, but no active funding
My research is focused on the development and application of artificial intelligence to abdominal imaging, specifically related to cancer of the genitourinary system. My budding projects target the imaging appearance of renal cell carcinoma and how this appearance correlates with the biological underpinnings of this disease process. I am collaborating across multiple departments and currently work with Drs. Jason Abel (Urology), Daniel Shapiro (Urology), and Hamid Emamekhoo (Hematology/Oncology), along with other members of my department (Radiology).
I have e-mailed the directors of the imaging and radiation program
I am interested in novel imaging biomarkers to improve patient selection for targeted therapies in glioma. Additionally, I hope to bring several clinical trials both as a site PI but also investigator-initiated studies that are currently in development.
Gynecologic Oncologist, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Director of the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Program, University of Wisconsin–Madison Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Wisconsin–Madison
UW2020 WARF Discovery Initiative Grant - "Metabolic profiling of leukemic cells through isotope tracing in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia" (Role: Co-PI)
VA Merit Award - "A Metabolic Decision Point in the Progression of Lymphoid Malignancies" (Role: Co-PI)
VA CSP Collaborative Grant - "VA Lung Precision Oncology Program" (Role: Co-PI)
CCSG Pilot - "Landscape of EBV positive Diffuse Large Cell Lymphoma and Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disease in Wisconsin" (Role: PI, collab with Johannsen and Ranheim)
Dr. Fletcher’s clinical interests include clinical management of cancers of the blood, particularly lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Dr. Fletcher’s clinical research focuses on clinical trials of chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy agents for treatment of lymphomas.
Medicine - Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care
5852171849
Affiliate
01/01/1970
Pending
Developmental Therapeutics
MD
VTMA30
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8417-2787
Dr. Mark Albertini
Title: Targeting Liver Metastases to Enhance Durable Anti-Tumoral Immunity in Melanoma
Source: Rogel Cancer Center Translational and Clinical Research Grant
Total Award: $150,000 (direct costs)
Award Dates: 04/01/21 – 03/31/23
PI: Michael Green
Candidate’s Role: Co-Investigator (no effort)
Description: Dr. Ma provided preliminary data and conceptualized the trial protocol/schema
Title: Targeting Liver Metastases to Enhance Immunotherapy Efficacy in Melanoma
Source: Melanoma Research Alliance Young Investigator Award
Total Award: $150,000
Award Dates: 04/01/21 – 03/31/23
PI: Michael Green
Candidate’s Role: Co-Investigator (no effort)
Description: Dr. Ma provided preliminary data and conceptualized the trial protocol/schema
My research interest is in optimizing therapeutic strategies in melanoma and other advanced cutaneous malignancies with an emphasis in early phase clinical trial investigation involving immunotherapy and molecular targeted agents. Recently, I've worked on grant proposals and submitted manuscripts looking at the role of a response-adapted treatment strategy in advanced melanoma using biomarkers of response in the early course of treatment with immunotherapy.
Since starting faculty in August 2021, I have collaborated with several members of the UW Carbone Cancer Center on various projects and submitted several grant proposals. These projects include: evaluating the predictive role of PET imaging with immunotherapy, validating a melanoma circulating tumor cell assay, and evaluating the therapeutic role of targeting PLK1 in melanoma.
As a member of UWCCC, I hope to take advantage of core grant and various pilot grant opportunities to fund various investigator initiated trial proposal. My hope is to submit a future grants looking at the role of liver-directed radiation therapy in combination with dual checkpoint blockade therapy in advanced stage melanoma. I hope to continue collaborating with scientists at UW to evaluate various molecular targets and translate these findings into the clinical trial setting.
1. State Economic Engagement and Development (SEED) Research Program grant.
I develop advanced in vitro microphysiological platforms to mimic the tumor microenvironment structure. These platforms allow us to generate complex 3D systems that include tumor, immune, and stromal cells provided with lymphatic and endothelial vasculature. Further, we can monitor and control nutrient, pH, and oxygen concentration in the system. Overall, these platforms enable us to visualized the effect of multiple aspects of the tumor microenvironment in tumor progression and treatment response.
01/01/1970 12:00 AM
Ayuso Dominguez, Jose Maria
TM
TRUE
Membership-147
Sandbo
Sandbo-TM
Nathan
Professor
Associate Chief for Research, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care
CNPQ-Universal 405977/2018-2
Birbrair (PI)
12/06/18-12/06/21
The role of GFAP+ cells in the tumor microenvironment
Instituto Serrapilheira Serra-1708-15285
Birbrair (PI)
01/10/18-07/14/23
Regulation of prostate cancer by the peripheral nervous system
FAPEMIG-Universal APQ-01321-21
Birbrair (PI)
11/01/21-11/01/24
The role of sensory neuronal activity in tumor development
My major research interest is how the nervous system regulates cancer progression. To explore this, we will investigate the interactions of peripheral neuronal circuits within the tumor; the central nervous system involvement with the intra-tumoral neurons; the neuron-glia communication within the tumor microenvironment; the neuro-vascular interaction in the TME and the role of nerves in metastatic niches. Our goal is to identify novel potential cellular and molecular targets for cancer therapy.
Within a soft tissue, damage or disease often causes cells to remodel their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM), which dictates mechanical response, in a non-uniform manner. For example, tumor formation often involves local degradation and synthesis of collagen and other ECM proteins, altering regional stiffness and anisotropy of a tissue. Currently, there few methods to quantify regional variability in the mechanical behavior or properties of soft tissues. The state of the art is to compress small regions (often a non-physiologic loading modality) or by cutting tissue into increasingly smaller samples. We have successfully created an anisotropic inverse mechanics method capable of quantifying regional differences in mechanical properties and applied it to tissue analogs. Our goal is to apply this method to various soft tissues alongside quantitative histology to capture how structure and mechanics vary locally around tumorous tissues.
Wisconsin Head and Neck Cancer SPORE Career Enhancement Program (Pending)
My research focuses on defining minor salivary gland mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) immunobiology in SjD, a systemic autoimmune disease with hallmark features of severe dry eye and mouth (aka xerostomia). My unique ability to perform minor salivary gland biopsies, isolate, and culture adapt minor salivary gland MSCs has recently opened new horizons in other areas of xerostomia research. More specifically, I am working collaboratively with Drs. Galipeau (heme/onc), Kimple (rad onc), and Blitzer (rad onc) to address the critical need to develop new effective therapies to treat radiation-induced xerostomia. MSCs serve as a cellular product that can promote tissue healing in a variety of settings, primarily through the MSC secretome. Our long-term goal is to develop MSC products that cure radiation-induced xerostomia. Toward this end, we recently submitted a proposal to characterize culture-adapted MSCs derived from minor salivary glands of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients.
ASCO Young Investigator Award $50,000 for phase I clinical trial investigating mesenchymal stem cells for radiation-induced xerostomia
I am an assistant professor in the Department of Human Oncology at the University of Wisconsin. My goal over the next several years is to become an independent clinical scientist, leading clinical trials that utilize laboratory discoveries, such as the use of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a risk stratification tool for endometrial cancer. I am currently involved in a clinical trial investigating ctDNA to guide prostate cancer treatment.
I additionally am involved in translational research investigating cellular therapies to improve the quality of life of cancer patients. I have played a key role in prior clinical trials investigating cellular therapy – mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) – as a curative therapy for radiation-induced xerostomia. I wrote the clinical trial protocols for both the pilot FDA Investigation New Drug (IND) enabling study as well as the phase I clinical trial of MSCs and am assisting in the ongoing phase I clinical trial.
As a radiation oncologist and translational researcher I will bring my experience in clinical trials to the UWCCC and ensure successful collaborations with other UWCCC researchers.
Telomeres are repetitive DNA and associated proteins at the ends of linear chromosomes. They protect our chromosome ends from being misread as broken ends, underlining the importance of telomeres for genome stability, and they also serve as a “clock” for our biological lifespan. Our lab seeks to investigate the molecular mechanisms of human telomere maintenance using an interdisciplinary approach. This includes structural studies using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and spatial/temporal studies using single-molecule imaging techniques. Specially, our lab focuses on two major areas – 1) Telomere chromatin organization and 2) Telomere replication mechanism
I am broadly interested in epithelial-immune interactions in the gastrointestinal tract, with a particular focus on tuft cells, barrier function, and microbiome-derived tuft cell ligands. Tuft cells are normally found throughout the GI and in many "hollow" organs, but also arise in the pancreatic duct and esophagus during precancerous injury/lesions. The role of tuft cells in early tumorigenesis remains controversial. I hope to use my expertise and mouse models to investigate these questions in collaboration with UWCCC members. In addition, I hope to expand my work in the biliary tree into cholangiocarcinoma studies, as this is a deadly and poorly understood cancer which I am uniquely positioned to investigate.
UG3DE030431 (Kimple, PI) 07/1/2021−06/30/2022
NIH/NIDCR
Intra-salivary gland autotransplantation of marrow mesenchymal stromal cells for treatment of radiation induced xerostomia.
This award serves to complete an IND application for a first-in-human clinical trial of MSC for xerostomia.
Andrea Pennati, M.Sc., Ph.D., Scientist III, UW-SMPH Dep. of Medicine,
Director R&D, Program for Advanced Cell Therapy (PACT) UW – Madison:
Our collaborative team’s research mission, led by Dr. Jacques Galipeau, MD FRCP(C), is to develop rationally designed immunotherapy-based combination treatments for cancer, capable of generating long-term cures against all stages of disease burden. Within Dr. Galipeau’s research program, some projects that I lead involve the use of phenotypic and cellular assays, as well as translationally relevant in vivo models, to investigate novel approaches to improve immunotherapeutic outcomes and care. The projects that I am involved in are multifaceted, including investigating the combination immunotherapy and ex vivo stimulated T cell-depleted PBMCs to improve antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC); augment the persistency and activity of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and improve salivary function post-radiation-induced xerostomia for patients who underwent head and neck cancer radiation therapy.
I began my tenure in Dr. Galipeau’s lab as a postdoc in 2011 at Emory University, investigating the role of fusion protein for immunotherapies and cancer vaccines. Engineered chimeric cytokines can generate gain-of-function activity in immune cells as the potent antitumor activity for the fusion cytokine generated by the N-terminal coupling of GM-CSF to IL-4, aka GIFT4. B cells treated with GIFT4 clustered GM-CSF and IL-4 receptors on the cell surface and displayed a pan-STAT hyper-phosphorylation associated with the acquisition of a distinct phenotype and function. Human GIFT4-licensed B cells primed cytotoxic T cells and specifically killed melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo. We showed GIFT4 could mediate the expansion of B cells with potent antigen-specific effector function.
As an Associate Scientist, when I moved to UW – Madison in 2016, I have expanded my research within the lab to include in vivo research, leading a series of translationally relevant projects interrogating the use of ex vivo stimulated T cell-depleted PBMCs in combination with 1) anti-CD38 for multiple myeloma -in collaboration with Dr. Capitini; 2) cetuximab for head and neck cancer -in collaboration with Dr. Kimple; 3) cetuximab for pancreatic cancer -in collaboration with Dr. Morris. Other lines of research included augmented activity and persistency of TILs from ascites with new engineered fusion proteins -with Dr. Patankar, and intra-salivary gland autotransplantation of marrow mesenchymal stromal cells for treatment of radiation-induced xerostomia -in collaboration with Dr. Kimple/Dr. Blitzer.
The information gathered from these studies will allow for rationally designed, effective combination therapies aimed at harnessing the immune system to eradicate cancer while simultaneously disabling the ability of the disease to recur.
Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology, and Palliative Care
Affiliate
01/01/1970
Complete
Tumor Microenvironment
MD
0000-0002-4079-9051
David Jarrard
"Spatial Immunophenotype as a Prognostic Biomarker in Renal Cell Carcinoma"
Pilot Grant, Wisconsin Urological Society
PI: Daniel Shapiro
I am an assistant professor of urologic oncology within the department of urology. My research is focused on understanding how kidney cancer tumor cells stimulate immune infiltration, how the immune cells organize within the tumor microenvironment, and how the immune response to kidney tumors can impact patient prognosis. Beyond looking the type of immune cell infiltration, I am specifically interested in understanding how immune cells organize in the microenvironment to create functional interactions that result in improved tumor control. It seems clear in other malignancies than an ordered response and the establishment of functional immune structures, such as tertiary lymphoid structures, in the tumor immune microenvironment leads to improved outcomes, but this has not been explored in kidney cancer. Current studies I am conducting are using tumor samples to explore the spatial interactions between effector and regulatory immune cells and how this relates to tumor progression after surgical resection. Additionally, I am investigating how the presence of mature tertiary lymphoid structures in the RCC tumor microenvironment impacts patient prognosis. Finding potential ways to stimulate an effective and organized immune response may enhance our ability to prevent tumors from recurring after surgical resection of localized disease and improve responses to immunotherapy in the metastatic setting.
My research is in line with the thematic aims of the Tumor Microenvironment Program within the UWCCC, which is focused on how the host-tissue environment impacts tumor formation and progression. The studies I will be conducting will be directly evaluating the host immune response to kidney cancer tumors and how this impacts patient prognosis. Additionally, I aim to try and determine pathways that may be targeted to produce a more organized immune response within the microenvironment. The collaborative environment and resources available through the UWCCC will help me to better achieve my research goals, improve patient care, and advance the mission of the tumor microenvironment program.
Dr. Randy Kimple--colleague, Dr. Pippa Cosper--colleague
R35GM142891--Mining natural infection variation to find the genetic basis of coevolution between vertebrate hosts and helminth parasites
DUNS#614209054NSF-Understanding the Rules of Life: Emergent Networks. Does re-wilding lead to re-wiring of gene expression and species interaction networks? (Senior Personnel--2yrs grad student RA support)
1) Most of my research focuses on the evolution and genetics of complex adaptive traits. I have developed a laboratory infection model that uses forward genetics and population genomics to study how vertebrates evolve immune responses to detect and purge parasites, as well as how parasites evolve to evade and suppress host immunity.
2) I am also starting to examine the overlap between methylation-associated responses to aging and environmental stress, potentially looking at correlations with cancer biomarkers.
3) I am eager to develop collaborations that develop and test models of how cancer evolves under different demographic (i.e., tumor size constraints) and selective regimes (i.e., under different combinations and cycles of chemical and radiation therapy).
I do not hold currently active grants but plan to apply for grant funding this fall.
I am a clinical and translational researcher with particular interest in gastric cancer. I aim to obtain grant funding for early detection of gastric cancer in the state of Wisconsin and to broaden the clinical trials portfolio for gastric cancer patients as well as for other upper GI cancers at the cancer center. I also aim to grow the biobank specimens that we have for gastric and other upper GI cancers to develop a resource for future molecular based studies.
Kwekkeboom, K., Campbell, T., Miller, M. (2022-2023). University of Wisconsin–Madison, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education. Feasibility Study of Coordinated Management for Co-Occurring Cancer-Related Symptoms. Role: Co-I. (Budget $58,442.00). Funded. Role: Co-Investigator.
Miller, M. (2021-2023). American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) Research Grant Award for The Role of Spiritual Well-Being in Pain Experiences among Adults with Cancer: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Methods Study. Role: PI. (Budget $5,000). Funded. Role: Principal Investigator.
I am passionate about exploring the role of spirituality in supporting holistic wellbeing for cancer patients, and especially how spirituality might influence symptom self management. My current mixed-methods research examines the various meanings of spirituality and the role it plays among patients who are facing cancer-related pain. I am also moving my program of research toward developing and testing supportive therapies (mindfulness meditation, yoga, psilocybin-assisted therapy).
My role in the UW–Madison, Program for Advanced Cell Therapy (PACT) is to enable the development and implementation of first-in-human, cell and gene therapies under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) to meet FDA guidelines and requirements for Phase 1 clinical trials. PACT currently has one active, cancer-relevant, Phase I clinical trial for the treatment of head and neck cancer radiation therapy-induced Xerostomia. PACT is also currently developing a process for the manufacture of an autologous, GD2 tumor-associated antigen, chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T) therapy for Sarcoma.
Department of Defense Physician Research Award (2023-2027)
Grant: Interrogating the intersection of PSMA and PI3K pathway signaling as a novel combination approach in treatment resistant prostate cancer
Total Costs: $1,166,252
Role: PI
Prostate Cancer Foundation Young Investigator Award (2022-2025)
Grant: Elucidating molecular correlates of PSMA expression in prostate cancer liquid biopsies to identify biomarkers of response and resistance to PSMA-targeted therapies.
Total Costs: $225,000
Role: PI
Doris Duke Physician Scientist Fellowship (2021-20203)
Grant: Multiplex liquid biopsy as a novel biomarker for PI3K inhibitor therapies
Total Costs: $220,000
Role: PI
My research uses rare cell protein, transcriptional and genomic analyses of patient-derived tissue and liquid biopsy specimens to elucidate tumor cell intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies in advanced breast and prostate cancer, with a focus on therapies targeting the PI3K pathway. The tumor microenvironment plays a key role in regulating PI3K pathway signaling in breast and prostate cancer, and thus understanding the microenvironmental contribution to Pi3K inhibitor resistance forms an integral part of my overall research program.
CTCF-mediated HSV-1 gene expression in latency and reactivation
Source: NIH/NIAID R01AI134807
Molecular genetics of HSV reactivation
Source: NIH-NIAID R01AI048633
HSV-1 reactivation and glaucomatous trabecular meshwork damage
Source: NIH-NEI R21EY034295
I study chromatin control of viral infections. dsDNA viruses and eukaryotic cell share similar epigenetic mechanisms to regulate transcription. Understanding these complicated mechanisms and how they are dysregulated in the context of a virus can aid in the understanding of complex human diseases.
My research is focused on several aspects of colorectal cancer care, disparities in administration of chemotherapy for colon cancer, sarcopenia and its role in colorectal cancer outcomes, focusing on pre-habilitation and improvement of outcomes after surgery for colorectal cancer
As a new investigator, funding is past funding:
Targeting the epigenetic state of refractory and relapsing acute myeloid leukemia.
Canadian Institutes of Health Research – CEEHRC Epigenetics Clinical Translation Grants.
Duration: 4 years (2/01/2019-1/31/2023). Award $375,000 per year ($62,500 per year for the Dilworth Lab).
Genomic Analysis of Rhabdomyosarcoma Tumor Initiating Cells.
Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Operating Grant (Cancer Biology & Therapeutics Panel).
Duration: 5 years (04/01/2014-09/30/2019).
Award $65,000 per year for the Dilworth Lab.
As an epigenetics laboratory studying muscle stem cells in regeneration, we are interested in deciphering how the muscle stem cell determining transcription factor Pax7 causes the development of rhabdomyosarcoma when fused to Foxo transcription factors (Pax7-FKHR). Our working hypothesis is that Pax7-FHKR is a potent reprogramming factor that generates a cancer stem cell that drives rhabdomyosarcoma development.
See attached Research Interests Document.
The Meyer Lab studies the dynamic chromatin environment responsible for serum calcium and phosphate maintenance and the impacts of vitamin D metabolism in skeletal, renal, and intestinal biology. A triumvirate of endocrine hormones – parathyroid hormone (PTH), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), and calcitriol (1,25(OH)2D3) – maintain this delicate balance by influencing enzymes, transporters, and transcription factors to drive genomic change. When dysfunctional, these mechanisms allow chronic inflammation and disease progression to worsen in chronic kidney disease-metabolic bone disorder (CKD-MBD), atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and many others. Additionally, low vitamin D status has a correlation with an increase in cancer risk in cancers such as colorectal, breast, and prostate. Higher vitamin D status has been linked to longer survival rates in cancer patients. Dietary and nutritional supplementation of vitamin D rapidly corrects the body’s mineral deficiencies, however its ability to ameliorate inflammatory disease progression or improve cancer outcomes remains controversial. We study the intricate genomic and molecular mechanisms that regulate the biological changes controlling the intersection of metabolism, inflammation, and disease progression using unique animal models, genomic editing techniques, and -omics bioinformatic approaches to generate unbiased interrogation of chromatin changes.
Developmental Therapeutics
Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanism
Tumor Microenvironment
MD
BSHIELDS30
0000-0002-5734-0167
Nihal Ahmad PhD
1. Dermatology Foundation Medical Dermatology Career Development Award
2. Autofluorescence Imaging Platform for Clinical Tissues, UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research
3. Clinical and molecular investigation of cutaneous granulomatous diseases to elucidate pathomechanisms, reveal new therapeutic targets, and understand associations with debilitating systemic disease, UW Skin Disease Research Center
I am a board-certified dermatologist and early-career investigator. My interests in skin cancer and the cutaneous manifestations associated with systemic malignancy were piqued during my dermatology residency at the University of Wisconsin, where I served as chief resident. I subsequently trained as a fellow in complex medical dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania. Throughout fellowship, I focused on understanding the clinical manifestations—and mechanisms underlying—the development of complex skin conditions as markers of underlying malignancy. I now run the UW inpatient consultation service where I interface with numerous cancer patients. My research interests focus on tumor microenvironment, novel imaging modalities for skin malignancy, and the mechanisms underlying granulomatous and neutrophilic dermatoses associated with hematologic cancer. I have multiple peer-reviewed publications and book chapters on these topics.
R01 CA268976, National Institutes of Health – NCI
Gaglia, Marta Maria (PI)
12/01/21-11/30/26
Determining how Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus hijacks caspase function to inhibit anti-viral responses
One of the focus of my laboratory is the human oncogenic virus Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). In particular, we study how this virus blocks host innate immune responses to replicate. Replication of KSHV is important for tumor development and/or maintenance
Cancer Prevention and Control
Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanism
MD
LISAARKIN
0000-0002-0468-9568
Nihal Ahmad, PhD
Dermatology Foundation Career Development Award: Towards a Precision Based Approach to Port Wine Birthmarks
My research focuses on investigation of the underlying genetics and vascular biology of vascular anomalies to drive improved targeted therapeutics and more precise use of laser. These anomalies are caused by mosaic variants in genes associated with cell growth and proliferation, most of which are also observed in malignancy. The field has begun to repurpose therapeutics created for cancer in vascular anomalies, but understanding how and why these interrupt the downstream pathways is of paramount importance. We are also looking at in vivo cutaneous imaging of vascular anomalies to better understand vascular biology based on genotyping, and how to create more precise laser settings when this is utilized.
Pilot study of the anti-cancer effects of phytochemicals from Greorgia-06H peanut cultivar on a leukemia cell line. (The Peanut Institute)
Anti-inflammatory activity of yogurt mediated by the intestinal barrier. (National Dairy Council)
Bioavailability of aronia berry polyphenols (UW–Madison VCGRE)
We are studying food chemistry, metabolism of dietary bioactives, and prevention of chronic inflammation to reduce chronic disease risk. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress contributes to cancer risk, and optimizing diets can reduce cancer risk and improve cancer treatment. We are studying dietary bioactives from vegetables, fruits, nuts, and fermented dairy products and their impact on intestinal immune function and chronic inflammation. We are using cell models and human intervention studies to investigate mechanisms by which foods inhibit chronic inflammation.
1. "PSMA-Targeted In Situ Immunization for the Treatment of Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer", Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA, (PC210330). $1.2M over 3yr
My lab is developing new compounds to address a clinical challenge seen in a variety of late-stage cancers which is tumor heterogeneity and lack of immune response. I believe that drug combinations coupled with intelligent drug delivery systems may provide success. Currently, we are evaluating targeted radionuclide therapy and antibody-drug conjugates with the goal of branching out into biologic prodrugs.
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecology Oncology
7737181252
Affiliate
23/08/2009
Complete
Developmental Therapeutics
Imaging and Radiation
MD
PhD
QSODJI
0000-0002-9469-1388
My research focuses on the development of novel cancer immunotherapy agents that can be used as a monotherapy or in combination with radiation therapy. I have a particular interest in exploiting the immunostimulatory effects of radiation including targeted radionuclide therapy to enhance the safety and efficacy of immunotherapy including adoptive cell therapy such CAR T cells.
Type: Grant Title: Bone Health and Osteoporosis Screening in Gynecologic Cancer Survivors Source: University of Wisconsin–Madison American Cancer Society (ACS) Total Award: $50000 Years of Award: May 1, 2022 - April 30, 2023
PI: Sobecki, J. N.
Type: Grant Title: Bone Health and Osteoporosis Screening in Gynecologic Cancer Survivors Source: NIH Loan Repayment Program Total Award: $100000 Years of Award: July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2024 PI: Sobecki, J. N.
I am an active researcher in the area of gynecologic cancer survivorship and quality of life. I was also recently appointment as the Gyn DOT co-leader for Carbone Cancer Center.
Source: Elsa U. Pardee Foundation
Title: Identification of the Predictive Biomarkers in AML Patients Treated with Immunotherapy
Amount: $129,150.00
Years: 1/1/2022 – 12/31/2023
PI: Hongtao Liu
Effort: 10%
Role: Project leader
Summary This grant allows us to do the correlative studies using the patients samples enrolled on the national clinical trial.
Source: N/A
Title: DOD/Radiation Injury Treatment Network (RITN)
Amount: $8000/year
Years: 2019 to present
PI: Hongtao Liu
Effort: 2%
Role: Program grant. As the medical director of the participating center
Summary This grant supports University of Chicago to be part of RITN.
The Radiation Injury Treatment Network® (RITN) prepares to respond to the medial surge resulting from a mass casualty incident with marrow toxic injuries. RITN Centers adopt, to the extent practical, the ARS treatment guidelines, donor selection criteria, data collection plan, and other related documents developed by the RITN Committees. RITN is a cooperative effort of the National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP) and The American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ASBMT).
Source: Ullman Scholar Award
Title: Immune checkpoint inhibition will induce T cell activation against leukemia-specific antigens to eliminate minimal residual disease and maintain remission in AML patients
Amount: Selected for funding $90,000/years x 2 years
Years: 7/1/2016 to 6/30/2018, extended
PI: Hongtao Liu
Effort: 18% but no salary recovery
Role: Project leader
Summary This grant allows us to do correlative studies using the patients samples enrolled on the national clinical trial.
Source: UCCCC pilot grant
Title: Immunotherapy in AML using anti-PD-1 antibody, Nivolumab
Amount: $35000
Years: 1/1/2016 to 12/31/2016, extended
PI: Hongtao Liu
Effort: 5%
Role: Project leader
Summary This grant supported the conduct of the investigator-initiated clinical trial
I chose the field of leukemia and stem cell transplant where my research background of immunology, signal transduction and molecular biology will make a difference. Since the completion of my fellowship in 2011, I have devoted myself in the clinical research in the field of leukemia, stem cell transplant and later cellular therapies. My research interests focus on exploring novel agents to treat leukemia, especially myeloid leukemia. I have extensive experience in conducting clinical research in the field of leukemia and stem cell transplantation. The trial of prophylactic donor lymphocyte infusion to prevent disease relapse after stem cell transplant for hematologic malignancies had been funded by Cancer Research Foundation young investigator award. I also developed conditioning regimen incorporating total marrow irradiation for second stem cell transplant. I have been the national PI of the NCI ETCTN 9706 trial in the past several years to test checkpoint inhibitor, nivolumab, to eradicate minimal residual disease in AML patients, which reached full enrollment at the end 2019 and the clinical results were presented at 2022 ASH meeting orally. In the long term, I envision myself as an independently funded clinical investigator with a focus on developing novel clinical trials especially immunotherapeutic or cellular therapy approaches for the treatment of hematologic malignancies.
NIDDK K01 Award
ASH Fellow-to-Faculty Scholar Award
Startup funds
The overarching goal of the research in my lab is to understand the functional roles of bone marrow microenvironment in regulating hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) during normal, pre-malignant and malignant hematopoiesis. My current projects focus on three general areas: 1. understand the functions of nociceptive nerves in regulating HSC aging and blood cancers; 2. explore the contributions of aged bone marrow microenvironment to ASXL1-mutated pre-malignant clonal hematopoiesis; 3. investigate the roles of macrophages in the HSC niche and develop novel strategies to improve transplantation therapy for blood cancers. My laboratory combines in vivo and in vitro approaches, including molecular and cellular techniques, mouse models as well as patients-derived xenotransplantation models. Ultimately, we hope that our research will help inform the development of novel strategies to advance the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of blood cancers.
I develop in vitro microfluidic models of the tumor microenvironment for translational research, with a specific focus on gynecological cancers, kidney, and breast.
NIEHS The mutagenic consequences of replication-coupled DNA repair mechanisms, 4R00ES034058-02
Cells experience tens of thousands of DNA lesions per day that must be repaired to ensure that genetic stability is maintained. These lesions include base damage and strand breaks caused by environmental genotoxins as well as viral insult. My lab focuses on understanding the replication stress response and the mutagenic consequences of DNA-strand specific obstacles. Our goal is to provide a new context for understanding how endogenous and exogenous/environmental stresses including genotoxins including the small tumor virus HPV mutagenize DNA and how repair mechanisms maintain faithful replication. These studies have the potential to mechanistically inform future therapeutic interventions.
Cancer relevant funding prior to joining UW:
“Deciphering the Molecular Mechanism of Acquired Resistance in Leukemia” Canadian Institutes of Health Research - Project Grant – MOP-89834 Duration: 5 years (04/01/2018-03/31/2023) Amount (total): $925,650 (CAD) Role: Lead PI (Effort 20%).
Targeting the epigenetic state of refractory and relapsing acute myeloid leukemia”
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Operating Grant: CEEHRC Epigenetics Clinical Translation Grants Duration: 4 years (02/01/2019-01/31/2023).
Amount (total): $375,000 (CAD) (my share: $62,500) Role: Co-PI (Effort 2.5%). (Co-PIs include Drs W. Stanford (Lead), M. Brand, J-F. Couture, F.J. Dilworth, C. Ito)
“Understanding the Mechanism of TLX1-induced T cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia” Canadian Institutes of Health Research - Project Grant PJT 175303
Duration: 5 years (4/01/2021-3/31/2026). Amount (total): $937,125 (CAD) Role: Lead PI (Effort 20%).
Hematopoietic Stem cells have the capacity to differentiate along multiple lineages potentially giving rise to all cells present in the blood. This process is controlled by cell-specific and ubiquitously expressed transcription factors and cofactors. Defects in the transcriptional regulatory network of these cells can lead to leukemia. The major goal of the Brand laboratory is to decipher the molecular mechanism of hematopoietic stem cell differentiation such that we can understand how deregulation of this process can contribute to leukemia development. Towards this goal, we are using a multi-disciplinary approach that combines in vitro and in vivo techniques in both cell lines and primary human cells. These approaches include relative and absolute quantitative proteomics (isotope tagged methods), single cell multi-omics (CITEseq, TEAseq, sc-CUT&Tag, sc-RNAseq) and bioinformatics as well as patients-derived xenotransplantation models of leukemia and leukemia murine models.
IIS with Blue Earth Diagnostics to study 18F-Fluciclovine and MR CEST in patients with brain metastases following radiation therapy and immunotherapy
RSNA grant to study 18F-Fluroethyltyrosin and MR CEST in a rat GBM model prior to and after combination therapy.
As the Director of Neuro-Oncological Imaging within the University of Wisconsin (UW) Department of Radiology, my research program involves applying novel imaging technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of brain malignancies. In 2020 I began a PET/MRI program for imaging of patients with malignant brain tumors. My team became the first to integrate the use of the amino acid PET imaging agent, 18F-Fluoroethyltyrosine (FET), into routine clinical practice for management of patients with high grade glioma and brain metastases. Our recently accepted article in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine in 2023 by Smith et al. provides a full account of this program. This initiative has morphed into an academic-industry partnership intended for gaining FDA approval for use of 18F-FET for management of glioma patients in the United States. The success of this work has also led to another recently funded investigator-initiated study with Blue Earth Diagnostics on the use of 18F-Fluciclovine and MR chemical exchange saturation transfer for the diagnosis of recurrent brain metastases in patients following radioimmunotherapy. At UW, I am a co-investigator on a third PET agent, 68Ga-Fibroblast Activating Inhibitor (68Ga-FAPI) working with Dr. Ankush Bhatia (Neuro-Oncology) and Dr. Ali Pirasteh (Nuclear Medicine) to study the potential diagnostic use of 68Ga-FAPI for detection of glioblastoma in patients at UW. Pre-clinically, I am interested in the use of novel rodent models of glioblastoma and development of novel theranostic agents, which includes the study of quantitative imaging biomarkers using small animal PET/CT and PET/MRI. I am the PI of an active Research Scholar Grant from the Radiological Society of North America for developing neuroimaging biomarkers to assess novel combination therapies in a novel rat model of glioblastoma. My team and I published the precursor to this work in Frontiers in Oncology (Jackson et al., 2022).
01/01/1970 12:00 AM
Veronesi, Michael
IR
164
Strate
strate@wisc.edu
Lisa
Professor of Medicine, Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Cancer Prevention and Control
Imaging and Radiation
PhD
akuchnia
0000-0002-3418-0965
Perry Pickhardt and Howard Bailey
NIH NCATS KL2TR002374 Role: PI 7/1/2020 – 6/30/2024
Total direct costs: $400,000
Dedicated effort: 9 calendar months
Title: Identification of muscle wasting and intervention targets using novel imaging-based measures of muscle quality.
The goal of this project is to identify biomarkers of myosteatosis (i.e. muscle quality) that can be used to improve diagnosis and outcomes in clinical populations suffering from muscle wasting syndromes, including lung cancer and heart transplant.
My lab utilizes a translational research approach to understand the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of muscle wasting and its effect on clinical outcomes in aging and age-related diseases. In this pursuit, my lab has developed a clinical approach utilizing a combination of imaging techniques in human populations suffering from muscle wasting (e.g. cancer cachexia) to develop biomarkers capable of identifying risk of consequential outcomes. I have established expertise in various imaging techniques, including CT and MR, to describe muscle wasting in cancer cachexia. Utilizing sophisticated imaging and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, I am committed to the early and accurate diagnosis of cancer cachexia, thereby improving quality of life and prognosis in those affected with cancer. As such, my research interests align with UWCCC's mission and programs listed above.
My research is clinically focused on pediatric neuro-oncology in clinical trials and developmental therapeutics, particularly in molecularly targeted therapeutics based on personalized cancer biology. I am also interested in limiting potential brain tumor treatment-related toxicities and the quality of life issues that arise in our patient population.
My research interests are two-fold: improving gynecologic cancer prevention and identifying novel methods for minimally invasive screening. As a gynecologic oncology fellow at the University of Wisconsin, I developed a droplet digital PCR assay for detection of circulating tumor HPV DNA in plasma in cervical cancer patients. Currently I am in the process of opening a pilot study to determine the clinical utility of plasma circulating tumor HPV DNA in HPV-associated cancers in diagnosing cancer, assessing response to treatment and detecting recurrence during the surveillance period.
I enroll and monitor patients on Children's Oncology Group cooperative clinical trials, investigator initiated clinical trials within the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, and multi/limited institution clinical trials in which our division is involved. I also have an interest in quality of life and palliative medicine research.
Our research program focuses on the nexus of immunology and pluripotent stem cell (PSC) biology. We are evaluating the adaptive and innate immune cell responses to autologous and allogeneic PSC-derived cellular therapies. We have developed multiple cutting-edge humanized mouse models to study the in vivo immune response to these cells. We are also interested in patient-derived xenograft studies in humanized mouse models, as there are a number of fundamental immune processes with relevance to both cancer and transplantation biology.
Start up funds from the Department of Surgery, UWCCC and UWSMPH
My current research is focused on understanding the genomic drivers of breast cancer risk in patients diagnosed with benign breast diseases, specifically LCIS, that lead to the eventual development of breast cancer and I feel fits well with the mission of the Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanism Program Area.
01/01/1970 12:00 AM
Beck, Anna
GEM
TRUE
Sam Poore MD PhD, Mark Burkard MD PhD, Stephanie McGregor MD PhD, Evie Carchman MD
American Cancer Society Institutional Review pilot award MSN228402
My goal is to create technologies to quantify and control the piconewton forces that cells transmit to their environment with a focus on understanding and controlling immune cell forces. Specifically, I seek to understand how T cell forces influence activation and cytotoxicity in the context of the tumor microenvironment, for example with changes in the extracellular matrix components, stiffness, or viscoelasticity. Additionally, I seek to understand whether T cell generated forces are required for the function of current immunotherapies (e.g. bispecific T cell engagers and chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy).
01/01/1970 12:00 AM
Brockman, Joshua
TM
TRUE
Dr. Megan McClean, Dr. Kevin Eliceiri, Dr. Christian Franck, Dr. Randy Bartles
Full industry funding and drug supply from Syndax Pharmaceuticals for IIT: Safety and Efficacy of Dual Menin and FLT3 Inhibition in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory FLT3-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia Containing a Concurrent KMT2A-Rearrangement or NPM1 Mutation: A Phase 1 Study of SNDX-5613 + Gilteritinib
Full industry funding and drug supply from Incyte Pharmaceuticals for IIT: Phase 1b/2 Study of Axatilimab + Azacitidine in Advanced Phase MPN, MPN/MDS Overlap or High-Risk CMML
I have an interest in early phase clinical trials studying novel therapies in patients with acute leukemias and myeloid malignancies. I developed three IIT concepts under the guidance of my mentor Dr. Borate during my time at Ohio State prior to coming to UW. Two of these are approved for full industry funding and drug supply, and one remains in development. We plan to open these studies at UW as well. I am interested in continuing to expand the clinical trial portfolio in the leukemia program here and continuing to grow as a clinical investigator. Joining the Developmental Therapeutics committee would provide skills and knowledge to help me achieve these goals.
24/10/2005 03:50 PM
Sahasrabudhe, Kieran
DT
TRUE
Vaishalee Kenkre, Hongtao Liu, Hamid Emamekhoo, and Erica Reinig
Research Interests: My research centers on the inflammatory-driven epigenetic regulation of stem cell biology, particularly focusing on aging. While I was a junior faculty at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), I worked extensively with Dr. Paula Vertino, Dr. Laura Calvi, and Dr. Brian Marples on cancer-related projects as a member of the Microenvironment Program at the Wilmot Cancer Center. My research primarily investigates how inflammation affects epigenetic erosion, leading to premature cell death upon loss of quiescence in stem cells.
One of my significant projects, funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), explores targeting H4K20 methylation to rejuvenate the aged stem cell epigenome and improve regenerative function. My studies have demonstrated that epigenetic changes due to inflammation lead to the premature disruption of stem cell quiescence, causing irreversible loss of function and accelerated aging, such as impaired regeneration and sarcopenia. This research underscores the potential of preserving stem cell quiescence to improve radiotherapy outcomes, particularly in pediatric cancer survivors, a hypothesis supported by preliminary data from an R21 grant submission with Dr. Marples.
Additionally, I was investigating the systemic effects of aerobic exercise on hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) clonality and niche remodeling in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and leukemic models. This pilot project aimed to bridge aging research with cancer studies in collaboration with Dr. Alisson Yeh and Dr. Laura Calvi.
Relevance to UW Carbone Center for Cancer Programs
Given the numerous cellular and molecular parallels between cancer and aging, my research is highly relevant to the UW Carbone Center's mission to understand the molecular and cellular bases of cancer initiation and progression. My focus on inflammation-mediated epigenetic changes in stem cells during aging aligns with the Center's goal of elucidating the systemic impacts of cancer treatments on various tissues. My work on the long-term effects of radiotherapy on muscle stem cells and the potential to improve therapeutic outcomes by preserving stem cell quiescence directly contributes to advancing cancer treatment strategies.
Furthermore, my interest in combining computational and machine-learning methodologies with molecular biology and mouse genetics offers innovative approaches to uncovering systemic interactions between diverse stem cell compartments. This interdisciplinary perspective can significantly enhance our understanding of the aging immune and skeletal systems post-cancer treatments and the links between musculoskeletal degeneration and hematological disorders.
Joining the Carbone Center will provide a collaborative environment to further my research on the systemic impacts of aging and cancer, fostering new insights and therapeutic interventions that align with the Center's objectives.
24/12/2006 09:28 AM
Blanc, Romeo
GEM
TRUE
As a newly hired faculty, my chair Dr. Wellik and I have decided to wait a few months before forming a mentoring committee. I am eager to get to know my colleagues further and I am open to any suggestion from this reviewing committee.
Characterization of the mutational landscape and identification of biomarkers of 4 types of cancer of interest and present in Antioquia through next-generation sequencing (Government of Colombia)
Risk-reducing Salpingectomy for Ovarian Cancer Precision Prevention
Role: Principal Investigator
Source: Prevent Cancer Foundation
Total direct cost: $100,000
2024-2026
The major goal of this project is to obtain the perspectives from people who have different risk levels of ovarian cancer and ovarian cancer survivors on risk-reducing salpingectomy for ovarian cancer prevention.
Optimization of a Risk Stratification Model for Ovarian Cancer
Role: Co-Investigator
Principal Investigator: Celeste Leigh Pearce, PhD
Source: Department of Defense Pilot Award
Total direct cost: $300,000
2024-2026
The major goals of this project are to define a risk threshold that is actionable for risk-reducing salpingectomy for ovarian cancer prevention among people with average risk of the disease based on the perspectives of healthcare providers, ovarian cancer survivors, and people at risk of the disease as well as a cost-effectiveness analysis for this procedure.
I am a cancer epidemiologist whose research interests span across the cancer continuum, including cancer etiology, prevention, and survivorship. My research has focused on (1) establishing new population-based studies to collect primary data to study cancer risk and survivorship, (2) developing and validating models for precision medicine in cancer, and implementing these models into clinical practice; (3) partnering with communities to develop and implement evidence-based and scalable interventions to improve cancer screening and health equity in underserved populations. My research has specifically focused on women’s cancers, including breast, cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. My research interests are well aligned with the goal of the Cancer Prevention & Control Program's mission, which is to reduce the burden of cancer through improved prevention, early detection and survival.
24/01/2008 02:02 PM
Phung, Minh Tung
CPC
TRUE
Amy Trentham-Dietz, Shaneda Warren Andersen, Lisa Barroilhet
Overarching theme of our group is microscale soft robots for size-matched and spatiotemporally resolved physical and biochemical manipulation of cells and tissues, with applications in experimental modeling of tumor microenvironment, manufacturing cellular therapies for solid tumors, and developing synthetic therapeutic carriers with enhanced intratumoral penetration.
Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology, and Palliative Care
6088902696
Core
01/01/1970
Complete
Tumor Microenvironment
MD
rdavi112
0000-0001-9592-932X
Susan Thibeault
None (planning to apply for Head and Neck SPORE Career Enhancement Pilot)
My research program studies the intersection of the laryngeal microenvironment, local immune response, and extracellular matrix remodeling, to develop novel targeted treatments for voice and airway disorders. Specifically relevant to the UWCCC TM program I am currently interested in studying the microenvironment of laryngeal leukoplakia and its progression to laryngeal cancer.
01/01/1970 12:00 AM
Davis, Ruth
TM
TRUE
Nathan Welham, David Andes, Evie Carchman, Sam Poore, Susan Thibeault
As a physician-scientist in the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology-BMT Department at the University of Wisconsin and American Family Children's Hospital, I strive to identify promising pre-clinical therapies and adapt them into clinical practice. My focus is in pediatric neuro-oncology, immunotherapeutic approaches, and early phase clinical trial design. I have close collaborations with leaders in the field of neuro-oncology, immunotherapy, and genomic and precision medicine. Through a number of diverse academic pursuits, I am building the clinical and research expertise to develop translational projects that will improve therapeutic options for patients with difficult to treat brain and spinal cord tumors. My ultimate career goal is to become an independent, translational physician scientist developing novel clinical trials as well as an improved understanding of molecular drivers of pediatric brain tumors with the purpose of improving outcomes for our patients.
As a new assistant professor, I am currently on start-up funding. I intend to apply to the following foundations/funding mechanisms related to cancer during the academic year: Breast Cancer Research Alliance, Elsa U Pardee Foundation, American Cancer Society, METAvivor, and Rita Allen Scholars
Broadly, my lab is interested in developing and using tissue-engineered models of the tumor microenvironment in order to study how cell-cell communication and extracellular matrix cues influence tumor initiation and progression. My graduate work in Brendan Harley’s lab at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign focused on developing vascularized biomaterials in order to investigate how vascular signaling influences glioblastoma progression and therapeutic response. My postdoctoral work was performed in Christopher Chen’s lab at Boston University; while my postdoctoral training did not focus explicitly on cancer, I gained skills in utilizing molecular biology tools for genetic manipulation and developing perfused microfluidic models of vascularized tissues. At UW–Madison, I will leverage my prior research training to study brain metastasis. Specifically, I will investigate how cell-cell interactions within the primary tumor influence the ability for tumor cells to metastasize to the brain. Additionally, I am interested in investigating the mechanisms by which chemotherapy and radiation may lead to alterations in the brain microenvironment that lead to disease recurrence. Finally, within the brain microenvironment itself, I will investigate how paracrine signaling and extracellular matrix cues influence the behavior of tumor cells that have extravasated across the blood-brain barrier. Collectively, my research interests align with the Tumor Microenvironment program area within the UWCCC. However, I am also interested in collaborating with other program areas within the UWCCC in order to further our collective understanding of cancer biology, as well as position engineered tissue models as valuable tools for developing and screening new therapeutics.
24/06/2010 11:08 AM
Ngo, Mai
TM
TRUE
Eric Shusta (committee chair), Sean Palecek, David Lynn, John Yin
My research program is based on the molecular mechanisms underlying bone and cartilage regeneration. Shortly after beginning at UW this fall, I was approached by Janelle Sobecki, MD in Gynecologic Oncology, who is leading a clinical project examining ovarian cancer and associated therapies' effects on bone. As I bring in an expertise in basic bone biology, Dr. Sobecki and I are planning on translating some of her clinical studies from patients undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer into rodents in my laboratory. In my lab, we will use these pre-clinical rodent models to examine the cellular and molecular effects of ovarian cancer and ovarian cancer therapies on aberrant bone turnover and low bone mass with the goal of optimizing treatment strategies for patients.
Source: NIH R01
Award Number: R01 HL156851
Title: Implementing Effective Pharmacotherapy for Hospitalized Smokers with Cardiopulmonary Disease
Years: 3/15/2022-03/14/2027
PI: Quinn Pack, MD
Effort: 10%
Role: PI Subaward
Summary To test in a parallel-group implementation-effectiveness RCT if hospital-based tobacco treatment increases smoking cessation rates and is cost effective
Source: NIH R01
Grant number: R01 HL175602-01
Title: Longitudinal Effects of E-cigarette Use on Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Health
Years: 07/2024 - 06/2029
PI: Baker/Stein
Effort: 5%
Role: Co-investigator
Summary To quantify the effects of long-term ENDS use on biomarkers of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease and how they are influenced by use heaviness, age, body weight, and co-use of other products
My research program aims to reduce tobacco treatment disparities in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. I have expertise in implementing research studies within clinical care settings and conducting intervention trials within lung cancer screening and safety-net environments. My mixed methods and implementation studies include clinical settings with high representation of individuals experiencing tobacco-related health disparities, ensuring interventions reach those disproportionately affected by tobacco.
NIH-NIA U01AG081482
NIH-NIA R21 AG083782
NIH-NIA 1R01AG064951
NIH-NIA U01 AG076941
NIH-NIA R01 AG064951
AFAR/Hevolution New Investigator Award
My work focuses on age associated diseases. We are currently testing the utility of repurposing the drug class of mTOR inhibitors to combat the development of chronic conditions and expand healthspan.
University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing
Sheng (PI)
01/01/2024 – 12/31/2025
Exploring the feasibility of leveraging physical activity to reduce breast cancer risk in Asian American women
My research is highly relevant to the Cancer Prevention and Control program at UWCCC. I focus on health behaviors, lifestyle modifications, and community-based interventions to reduce cancer risk and promote health among ethnic minority populations. My work on early detection, diagnosis, and improving quality of life for cancer patients aligns with the program's goals. Additionally, I incorporate biomarker data to understand cancer mechanisms and use health tracking technology to develop innovative prevention strategies. My interdisciplinary approach ensures that cancer prevention efforts are effective and culturally sensitive.
24/05/2012 10:47 AM
Sheng, Jingxi
CPC
TRUE
Lisa C. Bratzke; Anne L. Ersig
Membership-94
Veronesi
Veronesi-IR
Michael
Assoc Prof, Radiology in the Neuroradiology Section and Director of Neuro-oncological imaging
I am a sub-investigator on all COG applicable to the pediatric hematology/oncology population. Additionally, I will be PI/Sub-I on protocols pertinent to vascular anomalies as we expand our program of targeted therapies for this population.
Title: Cherenkov Excited Luminescence Molecular Sensing (CELMS)
Source: NIH R01
Total Award: $2.3M
Award Dates: 12/2023 – 11/2027
PI: Brian Pogue and Sergei Vinogradov
Candidate’s Role: Co-I
Percent Effort: 6.25%
Description: Oxygen and pH sensing within tissue using high-energy radiation beams
Title: Oxygen dynamics in FLASH radiotherapy
Source: NIH R01
Total Award: $2.5M
Award Dates: 06/2023 – 05/2028
PI: Brian Pogue and Sergei Vinogradov
Candidate’s Role: Co-I
Percent Effort: 5%
Description: Investigate dependence of oxygen in FLASH radiotherapy
Title: Traceability in Medical X-ray Imaging Dosimetry (TraMeXI)
Source: Euramet
Total Award: $1.1M
Award Dates: 09/2022 – 09/2025
PI: Paula Toroi
Candidate’s Role: Key Stakeholder
Percent Effort: 0%
Description: X-ray multimeter calibration for international dose standardization
My research is primarily in novel methods of dose measurement and radiation detector design. I am collaborating with Brian Pogue and perform measurements on the Mobetron electron accelerator for FLASH dosimetry.
My research area includes advancing radiation dosimetry methods for emerging radiation therapy techniques such as FLASH radiotherapy or radiopharmaceutical therapy. These modalities have great clinical translational potential to advance the treatment of cancers.
01/01/1970 12:00 AM
Khan, Ahtesham Ullah
IR
TRUE
The committee will be assigned after the start date
Title: CP-CTNet Coordinating Center
Major Goals: Frontier Science & Technology Research Foundation, Inc. (FSTRF) proposes to collaborate with Dr. KyungMann Kim and others to perform data management tasks in support of the Cancer Prevention Clinical Trials Network (CP-CTNet): Data Management, Auditing, and Coordinating Center (DMACC).
Project Number: 1U24CA242637
Name of PD/PI: Kim, KyungMann
Project/Proposal Start and End Date: (MM/YYYY) (if available): 09/2019-07/2024
My role: Co-I
*Title: Identifying Colorectal Cancer Screening Strategies in Rural Communities
Major Goals: The goals of this grant are to characterize healthcare system and clinic factors that distinguish high- from lower-performing rural primary care clinics across the upper Midwest and identify successful CRC screening strategies used in high-performing clinics that can be disseminated to lower-performing rural clinics.
Project Number: ACS RSG-20-128-01-CPPB
Name of PD/PI: Weiss, Jennifer
*Source of Support: American Cancer Society
Project/Proposal Start and End Date: (MM/YYYY) (if available): 07/2021-06/2025
My role: Co-I
My research is deeply aligned with the mission of the UWCCC Carbone Cancer Center through its focus on precision medicine and individualized treatment strategies that are critical to advancing cancer care. For example, my work on developing novel statistical methods for estimating individualized treatment rules (ITRs) has been directly applied to cancer treatment, including our analysis of Tamoxifen therapy that identified TSPAN8 as a potential biomarker for personalized breast cancer treatment. Additionally, as a co-investigator on the NIH-funded Cancer Prevention Clinical Trials Network Coordinating Center (U24CA242637), I have provided essential statistical support in designing and analyzing clinical trials aimed at cancer prevention. Together with my contributions to developing generalizable risk prediction models using -omics and EHR data, my research not only addresses key methodological challenges in precision medicine but also supports the center’s goal of improving cancer outcomes through tailored therapeutic interventions.
Cancer Prevention and Control
Imaging and Radiation
Tumor Microenvironment
PhD
AARUSHIBHARGAVA
0000-0003-0340-2681
Kevin Eliceiri
None
Ultrasound-based technologies, particularly histotripsy, are gaining momentum as promising non-invasive treatments for cancer. Histotripsy, a form of acoustic cavitation, involves the rapid nucleation, growth, and collapse of bubbles under focused ultrasound waves. This collapsing bubble induces high strain in nearby tissues, leading to their fractionation. This method has already received FDA approval for liver cancer treatment and is currently being tested in clinical trials for other cancers, including those of the pancreas, kidney, and breast.
Building on my previous work, which explored histotripsy for ablation of fibrous blood clots and the study of fibrin network alterations, my current research focuses on utilizing this technology to disrupt collagen-rich extracellular matrices. These matrices, particularly in the tumor microenvironment, play a crucial role in tumor progression and metastasis. I aim to understand how the physical modification of collagen via cavitation affects cellular behavior, with particular attention to tumor-associated macrophages.
The ultimate goal of my work is to leverage acoustic cavitation techniques to engineer the extracellular matrix morphology and mechanical properties. By controlling these matrix alterations, we hope to influence cellular responses, potentially providing new non-invasive therapeutic avenues for cancer treatment, including immune modulation.
01/01/1970 12:00 AM
Bhargava, Aarushi
IR
TRUE
Kevin Eliceiri, Chris Brace, William L Murphy, Jacob Notbohm
My research is highly aligned with the UW Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC) programs, particularly in the areas of Developmental Therapeutics, Tumor Microenvironment, and Precision Medicine. As a Scientist II at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, my work focuses on patient-derived 3D organoid models, tumor-immune interactions, and drug discovery in pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers. These efforts directly support UWCCC’s mission to develop translational and precision oncology approaches that can be rapidly integrated into clinical practice.
Within the Developmental Therapeutics Program, I investigate novel therapeutic strategies by integrating high-throughput drug screening, CRISPR-based gene editing, and multi-drug synergy studies to identify effective combination therapies for resistant tumors. My research on tumor microenvironment (TME) modulation and ECM stiffness is particularly relevant to Tumor Microenvironment Program, as it seeks to understand how cancer cells respond to biochemical and biophysical cues that drive malignancy and therapeutic resistance.
Additionally, my work in engineering synthetic hydrogel matrices to mimic physiological TME conditions contributes to Precision Medicine efforts, enabling personalized treatment predictions for pancreatic and biliary tract cancers. These models serve as ex vivo platforms to evaluate individualized responses to chemotherapeutics and targeted agents, bridging the gap between laboratory research and patient-specific treatment strategies.
Through interdisciplinary collaborations, mentorship, and grant development, I aim to contribute to UWCCC’s leadership in translational oncology and support its commitment to improving cancer patient outcomes through scientific innovation. My research complements existing efforts within UWCCC and provides novel experimental platforms for testing and optimizing emerging cancer therapeutics.
I am interested in understanding the molecular, cellular, and organismal biology of RNA viruses, including human viruses associated with increased risk of cancer development.
01/01/1970 12:00 AM
Bailey, Adam
VR
TRUE
Andy Mehle, David Evans, David Yang, William Rehrauer
Cancer Prevention and Control
Developmental Therapeutics
Imaging and Radiation
PhD
eboros1
by invitation (Capitini)
d) Source of Support: National Institute of Health, NIBIB
Grant Number: R01EB032349
Title: Harnessing scandium chelation chemistry for the development of radiopharmaceuticals
Total Award Period Covered: 08/15/22-08/14/26
Total Amount (Direct): $1,034,612
Person Months Effort: 0.5 calendar month effort
Goals of Project: The major goals of this application are the development of scandium coordination chemistry to enable the successful development and translation of scandium-based radiopharmaceuticals.
g) Source of Support: National Institute of Health, NIBIB
Grant Number: R21EB030071-01A1
Title: Cherenkov luminescence mediated excitation of discrete lanthanide optical probes
Total Award Period Covered: 04/01/21 – 12/30/2025
Total Amount (Direct): $400,000
Person Months Effort: 0.5 calendar month effort
Goals of Project: This proposal aims to develop in vivo compatible, lanthanide-based optical probes combined with Cherenkov emissive radioactive isotopes for the targeted imaging of cancer
I develop imaging and therapy tools with applications in cancer diagnosis (nuclear, optical) and therapy (radiotherapy and targeted therapy)
My research is highly relevant to the Tumor Microenvironment and Developmental Therapeutics Programs. For the last 5+ years I have worked on TME focused mouse models of oncology – initiating new collaborations with many other UWCCC labs, including Paul Sondel, Manish Patankar, Lixin Rui, and Huy Dinh. I am particularly interested in immune and tumor cell interactions, phenotype, and metabolic changes as well as collagen structural changes that occur during immunotherapy. I study these changes using in vivo single cell mouse optical imaging technology and correlate our imaging findings to flow cytometry, histology, and single cell sequencing assays. To propel this work, I have characterized and validated novel transgenic mouse models that contain labeled immune cells for clear in vivo tracking and imaging. In parallel, I monitor collagen and other microenvironmental changes using label free second harmonic generation imaging. I am particularly focused on immunologically cold tumors including melanoma and neuroblastoma. Throughout this work, I focus on deep understanding of new drug combinations at the single cell level. All these projects are applicable to both the Tumor Microenvironment and Developmental Therapeutics Programs.
Idea Development Award; Department of Defense; Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP)
Title: Novel SDF-1 mRNA therapy for prostatic radiation-induced erectile dysfunction
Role: Principal Investigator (25% effort)
Total Budget: $ 1,161,618
Support Period: 03/24/2023 – 03/23/2026
R01 Research Project Grant; NIH NIDDK (DK132425)
Title: Localized SDF-1 mRNA nanoparticle delivery for treating erectile dysfunction
Role: Co-Principal Investigator (20% effort; Co-PI: Jung Soo Suk, University of Maryland)
Total Budget: $ 2,046,606
Support Period: 05/01/2022 – 04/30/2026
The overall goal of my research is to improve bladder and sexual dysfunction in all cancer survivors so they can have a high quality of life. Sexual and bladder dysfunction significantly impact the quality of life of patients with chronic illnesses and cancer survivors. Cancer patients value quality of life over length of life and frequently rate both sexual function and bladder continence as primary concerns over mortality when selecting treatment options. We have developed novel male and female models of pelvic radiation-induced urogenital dysfunction to allow us to examine the pathophysiological mechanisms impacting vascular and neuronal supply and pelvic organ function. Additionally, we also use an established preclinical model of pelvic nerve injury which mimics radical prostatectomy-induced neuropathy and erectile dysfunction. While there have been key discoveries improving symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) and bladder overactivity, these therapies do not prevent or reverse the underlying disease pathology. We are exploring novel delivery mechanisms to administer therapeutics to mitigate the adverse side effects of radiation (DOD IDEA) and pelvic nerve injury (NIH R01). We also work closely with a radiation oncologist and biomedical engineer at Mt Sinai in developing a hydrogel that can help mitigate the adverse vaginal tissue damage post-radiation. We believe that our findings will help cancer survivors be free of burdensome underlying treatment side effects and improve their quality of life.
National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health, Award No. R01 CA244522 “Tissue Damage-Driven Squamous Cell Carcinoma” $1,784,250 January 2021 - December 2025
National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research, the National Institutes of Health, Award No. R01 AR082944 “The role of collagen VII in extracellular matrix protein secretion” $1,716,000 June 2024-May 2028
EB Research Partnership, “Targeted Therapies for Junctional and Kindler Epidermolysis Bullosa-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma.” $163,522 May 2025-April 2026
Cure EB, “APOBEC inhibition for RDEB SCC prevention”, $173,405 May 2025 - September 2027
The long-term goal of my laboratory is to elucidate driving mechanisms of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) amenable to preventative or curative intervention. One approach to achieving this goal is to study rare familial prone disorders that can inform on more common cancer. For the past 20 years, I have been working to understand aggressive SCC occurring in patients with the genetic skin blistering disease recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) and determining pathways that intersect aggressive forms of sporadic SCC, primarily in the head and neck (HNSCC). Central to this work is understanding how the complex molecular and cellular outcomes of tissue damage drive initiation and progression of SCC. To do this, I utilize a wide variety of approaches that range from primary human cells to murine models, encompassing genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry, to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the driving malignant processes. I have identified APOBEC mutagenesis and the tumor microenvironment as key drivers of SCC in both RDEB and head and neck SCC with relevance to all SCC.
I bring to the cancer center a number of mouse models of inducible human APOBEC enzyme expression as well as expertise in cancer genomics and primary cell culture from multiple tissues, principally stratifying epithelia and SCC but also breast tissue.
My work is translational and has led to a clinical trial in Europe and the United States of an experimental PLK1 inhibitor to treat SCC arising in patients with RDEB (NCT03786237, NCT04177498) and the first two patients to receive drug have had a complete response after 6 months.
A large portion of my research background is related to radiation therapy in combination with the use of advanced imaging techniques which I believe would be relevant to the "Imaging and Radiation" program. My current research specializes in the use of dual energy computed tomography for proton therapy dose calculation. I have a research background in the use of functional imaging for thoracic radiotherapy as well. Additionally, I will be working on the novel upright CT system for the new proton therapy center at UW Eastpark.
To identify the contributors related to healthcare access/utilization, patter of care, and prognosis for a variety of cancer types using multiple large-scale datasets and develop prediction tool using machine learning methods.
R01 CA269354, “Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting of Tumor Vascular Perfusion and Acidosis”, 04/01/2022 – 03/31/2027, Co-PI.
Molecular imaging of the tumor microenvironment, including pre-clinical and clinical imaging of solid tumors for a variety of cancer types.
25/01/2005 12:40 PM
Pagel, Marty
IR
TRUE
Not applicable. As a side note, I have often served as a mentor or career coach for early career researchers, often organically than through a formal program. I wold look forward to this role to help early career cancer center members.
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology, and Palliative Care
2293920319
Core
01/01/1970
Complete
Cancer Prevention and Control
MA
PhD
Shellie_Ellis
0000-0002-3599-0804
CPC leadership
TEAMSPORT to Community TEAMSPORT: Validating and Adapting a Precision Oncology Reflex Testing Team Intervention to Reduce Rural Disparities in Cancer Care Delivery
My primary focus of research is cancer care delivery. I am testing an intervention I designed to increase somatic testing for cancer patients in community oncology programs via an NCI-funded R01. I also pioneered the application of implementation science to cancer clinical trial recruitment and created an intervention for use among community urology practices. I have two pending projects, one of which is part of a multi-institutional P01 to improve use and quality of active surveillance among favorable-risk prostate cancer patients.
University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center Support Grant, Cancer Informatics Shared Resource (P30CA014520, Sub-Project ID 9864)
As a long-time team member of Cancer Informatics Shared Resource at UWCCC, I have been providing bioinformatics support for more than 20 UWCCC research groups in the past 10 years. Many of the groups are from the GEM program, including those of Drs. Emery Bresnick, Wei Xu, Xuan Pan, Dan Matson, Tony Gitter, Irene Ong, and Colin Dewey. Of all the aforementioned GEM groups, I have co-authored papers in peer-reviewed journal and received funding from their research grants.
Current:
Title: CSP #2023 - Preventing Liver Cancer Mortality through Imaging with Ultrasound vs. MRI (PREMIUM)
Award Dates: September 2022 - December 2032
Agency: VA Office of Research and Development Cooperative Studies Program
Total Award: $3,356,809
PI: George N. Ioannou
Role (if not PI): Lead Site Investigator
Description: Multi-center research trial of surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The goal of PREMIUM is to compare an abbreviated version of the diagnostic gold standard for HCC (aMRI) +AFP to the standard-of-care screening (US+AFP) in patients at high risk of developing HCC. We hypothesize that HCC will be detected at earlier stages, allowing for more curative treatments and resulting in a reduction in HCC-related mortality.
Percent of Effort: <5%
Salary Support: Previously 1/8th of VA salary
Title: Targeted Pancreatic Histotripsy via a Cone Beam CT Targeting System (R&D 2305-005)
Award Dates: 08/01/23 – 08/01/26
Agency: University of Wisconsin – Department of Radiology and Medical Physics
Total Award: $18,582
PI: John Swietlik
Description: Preclinical animal study designed for comparison and optimization of pancreatic targeting for histotripsy using ultrasound and Cone Beam CT (aim 1) and characterization of pancreatic and peripancreatic tissue response post treatment (aim 2).
Percent of Effort: <5%
Salary Support:
Pending Proposals:
Title: Real-world evaluation of the HistoSonics Edison® System for treatment of liver tumors across multidisciplinary users BOOMBOX: Master Study
Award Dates: TBD
Agency: Industry (Histosonics, Inc.)
Total Award: $10,100.00 (expected)
PI: John Swietlik
Description: To collect prospective information on the use of the HistoSonics Edison® System for the treatment of liver tumors.
Percent of Effort: <5%
Salary Support: PI compensation within budget.
Title: Combination therapy using durvalumab and histotripsy for treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CODAH trial)
Award Dates: TBD
Agency: Industry (Histosonics, Inc.)
Total Award: $319,729.14 (expected)
PI: John Swietlik
Description: To gain knowledge regarding the efficacy and safety of combination immunotherapy with histotripsy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma iCCA). 12 patients will undergo histotripsy while on maintenance Durvalumab to assess for increased T-Cell activity and infiltration and establish safety of combination histotripsy therapy with immunotherapy.
Percent of Effort: <10%
Salary Support: PI compensation within budget.
My research interests align nicely with Aim 1 of the Imaging & Radiation Sciences Program, with a focus on optimizing diagnosis of malignancy through imaging, and to develop innovative minimally invasive image-guided therapies to improve the outcomes for patients with cancer. I have research experience with both preclinical and clinical cancer studies and routinely perform cancer treatments in my practice as an Interventional Radiologist at UW. Over the last 8 years I have been a part of the tumor ablation lab at the University of Wisconsin and have participated in numerous large animal laboratory studies on translational research, including multiple GLP-compliant swine studies. More recently my research has focused on the development and clinical translation of histotripsy, a novel cancer treatment technique with an expanding role in interventional oncology therapy. My work in histotripsy has involved application of the therapy to multiple organ systems, variation in treatment parameters to improve efficacy and safety, and the development of a novel CBCT based targeting system for histotripsy targeting. Additionally, over the last 2 years I have served as the site PI for the National VA study CSP-PREMIUM2023, designed to compare an abbreviated MRI to current standard-of-care screening (US+AFP) in patients at high risk of developing HCC with the hope of detecting HCC earlier and ultimately improving HCC-related mortality. I have leveraged my preclinical and clinical knowledge of histotripsy with my recent experience as site PI for a clinical trial and have subsequently designed an investigator-initiated trial and obtained industry funding to further the use and understanding of histotripsy as a liver directed therapy to continue to improve cancer treatment outcomes.
25/02/2007 01:36 PM
Swietlik, John
IR
TRUE
Paul Laeseke MD, PhD
Timothy Ziemlewicz MD
Michael Woods MD
I study pulmonary immunology as it pertains to asthma and respiratory infections. There is a significant correlation between the development between chronic inflammation and remodeling/injury repair to subsequent lung cancer. There are projects in the laboratory that pertain to hematopoietic stem cells that may play a role in this transition from health to disease.
I am interested in lifestyle interventions for individuals with cancer and integrative approaches for dealing with cancer and cancer treatment related side effects.
Both of my previous work and current research are highly relevant to the UWCCC program, especially in the area of tumor microenvironment.
In my previous work, I focused on engineering in vitro models to reconstitute angiogenesis, a critical process that supports tumor growth and survival. Additionally, I investigated the interactions between pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and blood vessels. Our study identified a key role for Activin-ALK7 signaling in endothelial cell ablation within the PDAC microenvironment, providing a mechanistic explanation for PDAC’s uniquely hypovascular nature.
My current work builds upon my expertise in vascular biology and organ-on-chip technologies. A central focus of my laboratory is vascular engineering within 3D organ-on-chip platforms, not only to sustain tissue viability, but also enable the study of dynamic interactions between vascular and tissue-resident cells across physiological and pathological conditions. While these vascularized systems are applicable across various organs, my present work centers on the liver, with an emphasis on liver biology and diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and liver cancer which affect a substantial portion of the US population.
Needs updating through affiliation with UW–Madison
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9489-0224
Paul Hutson and Noelle Loconte
None
My research focuses have been based on team-based care delivery and barriers to effective use of anticancer treatment for individuals with cancer. This has including research and publications on the 1) role and documented value of the oncology pharmacist; 2) interprofessional team-based care; 3) cannabis use and outcomes; 4) cancer screening and risk reduction; 5) optimal pretreatment screening; 6) documentation of supportive care outcomes; and 7) shared decision making. These research focuses seem to align with the thematic aims of the Cancer Prevention & Control program: prevention & biomarkers and cancer care delivery
I have several research interests relevant to the mission of the Carbone Cancer Center.
I am trained in both nuclear medicine/molecular imaging and neuroradiology. As such, I am interested in pursuing imaging projects that further the diagnosis and characterization of malignancies in the CNS, including but not limited to meningioma, glioma, and metastatic disease.
Through my background in nuclear medicine, I am interested in theranostic agents for cancer imaging and treatment. To that end, I currently serve as an authorized user and participate in many ongoing clinical trials.
I also participate in cancer imaging through the UWCCC Cancer Research Imaging Core, and plan to take on a leadership role within CRIC.
AWD-100305, Dosimetry calculations of 86/90Y-NM600 in Patients with Metastatic Cancer
AGR00011017, Dosimetry Calculations of 111In-ART-101 In Patients with Metastatic Cancer
FP00015049, Chemical-shift-encoded MRI for active bone marrow dosimetry in radiopharmaceutical therapy, (in contracting phase)
AWD-100696, Siemens Reserach Collaboration
I am actively involved in research focused on advanced imaging technologies such as spectral computed tomograph and chemical shift encoded MRI, and their use to enhance cancer therapies. The imaging tools we have can be better optimized and utilized to provide previously unavailable information to clinicians to better inform them on how to achieve both effective and safe treatments for patients
Source: University of Wisconsin Department of Medicine
Title: Career Development Supplemental Pilot Award
Amount: $30,000
Years: 2024 – 2028
PI: Amy Taylor, MD
Effort: 0%
Role: PI
Summary: Supplemental award designed to support my DoD physician research career development award.
Source: Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Research Program: Physician Research Training Award: HT94252410305
Title: A Liquid Biopsy Approach to Address Racial Disparities in Prostate Cancer
Amount: $750,000
Years: 2024 – 2028
PI: Amy Taylor, MD
Effort: 50%
Role: PI
Summary: Career development award with mentorship from Drs. Lang, Heath, and Yamoah to lead a multi-institution collaborative study of liquid biopsy applications in diverse patient populations to better elucidate molecular drivers of disease and identify novel therapies and patterns of treatment resistance in patients with metastatic prostate cancer.
Source: Wisconsin Partnership Program
Title: A pan-cancer AI-driven cell-free DNA sequencing platform for reducing disparities in early diagnosis, molecular characterization, and surveillance of multiple cancer types
Amount: $600,000
Years: 2024 – 2027
PI: Joshua Lang, MD, MS
Effort: 0%
Role: Collaborator
Summary: In this proposal, we will conduct a prospective study of molecular testing via liquid biopsy in patients with cancer to develop a novel cfDNA platform accessible to the entire UW system and state of Wisconsin. We propose to assess barriers to molecular testing access and will implement this novel strategy to increase adoption rates of molecular testing and education regarding testing strategies to both patients and providers. We will additionally test a transformative cfDNA platform that includes promoters as well as cancer gene exons for the simultaneous assessment of clinically actionable DNA alterations and fragmentomics to better guide treatment selection and detect cancer recurrence.
Source: Prostate Cancer Foundation Mark & Debbie Attanasio Young Investigator Award
Title: Eliminating Disparities in Molecular Testing with Comprehensive Liquid Biopsy Analysis
Amount: $250,000
Years: 2023 – 2026
PI: Amy Taylor, MD
Effort: 0%
Role: PI
Summary: This project will provide rationale for longitudinal liquid biopsy analysis in the management of prostate cancer and will establish an approach that serves to eliminate disparities in access to molecular testing for Black or African American patients with prostate cancer. Additionally, this project will identify blood-based biomarkers that are predictive of treatment resistance and will be the first large multi-institution study to evaluate molecular drivers of treatment resistance in this patient population.
I conduct translational research that utilizes liquid biopsy technologies to identify molecular targets for therapeutic study for genitourinary malignancies.
Source: National Cancer Institute R01 CA
Title: Symptom Monitoring Using Patient-Reported Outcomes to Optimize Medication Use (SyMPTOM)
Amount: $3,280,937
Dates: 8/6/24 – 7/31/29
PI: Flynn/Neuner
Effort: 15.2% (mandated 17% cut to reach this)
Role: Multiple Principal Investigator.
Purpose: SyMPTOM is a randomized controlled trial to test whether clinical pharmacy teams can improve patient adherence to daily adjuvant endocrine therapy using routinely collected patient-reported symptom data and pharmacist support to manage symptoms.
Source: Department of Defense E01-HT9452310654
Title: Chemotherapy Dosing in Patients with Obesity: Are Oncologists Optimally Balancing Risks and Benefits to Avoid Overtreatment and Undertreatment?
Amount $2,310,000
Dates: 07/01/2023 – 06/30/2027
PI: Neuner/Schroeder
Effort: 25%
Role: Multiple Principal Investigator.
Purpose: To examine real-world breast cancer chemotherapy dosing, its variation by weight, comorbidity, age and other factors, and the association of dosing with mortality. We will use data from 13 large cancer centers, and will use Oaxaca decomposition and advanced regression modeling to explore differences in dosing and mortality between groups.
Source: NCI K01CA125414
Title: Micro-randomized Trial of a Physical Activity Intervention to Manage Pain Symptoms Among Older Cancer Survivors
Amount: $805,220
Dates: 09/2022 – 08/2027
PI: Morelli
Effort: 0%
Role: Mentor.
Purpose: To develop and test the timing of physical activity promotion messages to increase physical activity and reduce pain symptoms among older cancer survivors who experience chronic pain symptoms using a micro-randomized trial design.
Source: Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment
Title: Understanding the Role of Mammographic Quality in Wisconsin’s Breast Cancer Disparities
Amount: $2,500,000
Dates: 04/01/21 – 03/30/26
PI: Joan Neuner, Beth Brunner and Tommi Thompson
Effort: 20%
Role: PI (MPI with community MPIs Beth Brunner and Tommi Thompson).
Purpose: To develop collaborative infrastructure, pilot test and ultimately implement a sustainable measurement strategy for measuring and improving mammographic quality across multiple health systems.
My interest in cancer health delivery and cancer outcomes fit well with aim 3 of the program. As desdribed in my grants above, my current research is related to the provision of care, including provider- and system-factors, with the goal of enhancing quality of care throughout the cancer continuum
Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Fellow Research Grant
My long-term clinical and research interests center on cancer imaging and therapeutics. My goal is to develop a precision imaging-focused research program that translates synergistic advances in multimodality anatomical imaging, computational data science, and biologically-guided PET radiopharmaceuticals into innovative solutions that personalize all aspects of cancer diagnosis and treatment. I believe the scope of my research areas is well-aligned with the programmatic priorities of the UW Carbone Cancer Center and the larger UW Health enterprise. I look forward to joining as a member of the UW Carbone Cancer Center and partnering with researchers on innovative cancer treatment and research.
01/01/1970 12:00 AM
Zhou, Wenhui
unaligned
TRUE
Pallavi Tiwari, Christoph Lee, Amy Fowler, Kari Wisinski
I have several research interests relevant to the mission of the Carbone Cancer Center.
I am trained in both nuclear medicine/molecular imaging and neuroradiology. As such, I am interested in pursuing imaging projects that further the diagnosis and characterization of malignancies in the CNS, including but not limited to meningioma, glioma, and metastatic disease.
Through my background in nuclear medicine, I am interested in theranostic agents for cancer imaging and treatment. To that end, I currently serve as an authorized user and participate in many ongoing clinical trials.
I also participate in cancer imaging through the UWCCC Cancer Research Imaging Core, and plan to take on a leadership role within CRIC.
my research focus is the development and promotion of novel therapeutics and treatment strategies in thoracic malignancies. I also aim to find ways of prognosticating outcomes/predicting response to therapies in thoracic malignancies, all with the intent of improving outcomes and feeding back into novel therapeutics/treatment strategy development.
01/01/1970 12:00 AM
Wells, Leah
DT
TRUE
Nataliya Uboha (Chair), Toby Campbell, Vaishalee Kenkre, Andrew Baschnagel
My primary research is in proton radiotherapy modeling, optimization, and device development. I also have interests and clinical research projects in photon radiotherapy treatments involving adaptive therapy, image processing and deformable registration, stereotactic radiosurgery, and treatment of ventricular tachycardia.
Cancer Prevention and Control
Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanism
PhD
skop30
0000-0003-3522-4939
Paul Lambert
1R21MH138941-01, WARF Accelerator
My research as a biomedical scientist at UW–Madison and co-founder of aMBR Genomics is closely aligned with the translational mission and innovative research focus of both programs in the Carbone Cancer Center.
My laboratory is focused on the biology and clinical potential of midbody remnants (MBRs)—a unique class of translation-competent extracellular vesicles with emerging significance in cancer development and progression. Our translational pipeline leverages omics, imaging, and bioinformatic approaches to characterize MBRs and identify novel biomarkers for cancer detection and risk stratification. In parallel, my company, aMBR Genomics, develops technologies for liquid biopsy applications, with an emphasis on scalable platforms for early cancer detection and precision oncology.
DOD, HT94252410543, Cell-Matrix Interactions Promoting Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Wisconsin Partnership Program, AWD-100712, The role of O-GlcNAcylation in the development of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
ICTR Pilot, AWD-004161, Development of a high-resolution ex vivo drug discovery platform for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) using spatial transcriptomics
DOM Pilot, GF000024025, Development of a high-resolution ex vivo drug discovery platform for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) using spatial transcriptomics
Our research interest is to understand the mechanisms involved in the development of pulmonary fibrosis with the hope of discovering new ways to treat this very deadly and irreversible disease. One area of focus for us is the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, a nutrient sensing pathway that is upregulated when the body has a need for metabolic reprogramming. This reprograming is required during the development of fibrosis as well as in most if not all cancers, where there is rapid growth. Therefore, our research findings, although we are investigating pulmonary fibrosis, can provide valuable data for use in cancer research. In addition, we extensively utilize the UW CCC TRIP lab, the TSB BioBank, the SAIRF, and the Flow Lab.
Developmental Therapeutics
Imaging and Radiation Sciences
MD
78247269
0000-0003-4722-6026
Bryan Bednarz, PhD; John Swietlik, MD
Earli, Inc, Redwood City, CA
Total Award: $904,327
PI: Ali Pirasteh, MD
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Swine Models of Chronic and Inducible Tumors
Percent Effort: 10%
PENDING GRANTS:
NIH R01 (submitted October 2025)
Total Award: $3,789,238
Role: PI
Title: Characterization of a Novel Porcine Lung Adenocarcinoma Model for Biodistribution Assessment and Radiobiological Modeling of 90Yttrium Radioembolization Therapy
Percent Effort: 25%
NIH STTR (submitted Sept 2025)
Total Award: $239,630
PI: Tanja Dominko
Role: Co-Investigator
Title: Establishing Commercial Potential of the Wisconsin Miniature Swine (WMS)-Oncopig Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Model”
Percent of Effort: 1.6%
My specific clinical area of interest is on improving outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and primary and metastatic lung cancer. My specific research interests include the use of translational large animal cancer models, specifically the Oncopig cancer model, to improve delivery, dosimetry, and efficacy/safety of transarterial Yttrium-90 for treatment of lung and liver cancer.
HistoSonics, Inc: Funding for 3 studies including 2 prospective clinical trials and 1 pre-clinical animal study.
My research is focused on thermal and non-thermal techniques for tumor destruction. I am a part of the Tumor Ablation Clinical Program and Lab. We are conducting several prospective studies on histotripsy and I also participate in pre-clinical studies of histotripsy.
I am the Director of the Interventional MRI where we perform prostate cryoablation are actively investigating this program for its impact on prostate cancer related care.
I am the chief and member of the Interventional Radiology section where one of our pillars of treatment and research is Interventional Oncology. We provide Y90 and TACE procedures for active disease but are also involved in central venous access and palliative therapies for cancer patients. We are actively involved in multiple studies with our oncology collaborators.
A partnership with the cancer center will help advance our oncologic mission in IR. It will allow us to partner with other providers within the cancer center and share resources across disciplines. We would especially like to partner for clinical trials and prospective protocols for new and innovative treatments.
Short Titles- LUGANO (PI); GALLOP (PI); Home OCT-Guided Treatment vs Treat and Extend for the Management of Neovascular AMD (CI); A Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating Intravitreal Faricimab (6.0 mg) Injections or Fluocinolone Acetonide (0.19 mg) Intravitreal Implants vs Observation for Prevention of Visual Acuity Loss due to Radiation Retinopathy (CI); UW19023 (SI); UW23027 (SI); CLARICO (SI)
01/01/1970 12:00 AM
Crabtree, Gordon
DT
TRUE
Dr. Jonathan Chang; Dr. Mark Albertini; Dr. Jen Larson
