Our efforts are focused on understanding the basic biology of HNSCCs and translating these findings to benefit patients. These are divided into below approaches.
1. HNSCC modeling a. Developed syngeneic HNSCC cell lines called the mouse oral carcinoma (MOC) model. b. Generated a bank of patient derived xenografts oral cavity SCCAs c. Current efforts include expanding PDX modeling and generating antiPD1 resistant, syngeneic models
2. Neoantigen biology and immunotherapy response
3. Immunotherapy resistance including with CRISPR screening
4. Mechanisms of response and resistance to MEK inhibition in HNSCCs
5. Clinical trials- novel neoadjuvant clinical trial approaches. PI or co-investigator in below trials a. GSK1120212 in Surgically Resectable Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Cancer (NCT01553851) b. Immunotherapy With MK-3475 in Surgically Resectable Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (NCT02296684) c. Window Study of Nivolumab With or Without Ipilimumab in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity (NCT02919683) d. Neodjuvant Nivolumab and Lirilumab, Followed by Surgery, Followed by Adjuvant Nivolumab and Lirilumab, in SCCHN (NCT03341936)