Our Mission and Vision
The mission of the Translational Molecular Medicine Research department is the development of new approaches for the molecular diagnosis of metastasis with a strong emphasis on the identification of molecular biomarkers (genomic, epigenomic) that can be used in early-diagnosis, prognosis, drug resistance, and theranostic targets. Our mission and goal is devoted to clinical translational research, collaborating with physicians and other scientists to improve cancer patient healthcare and clinical outcomes.
Our vision is the employment of blood molecular biomarkers such as cell-free nucleic acid (cfNA; DNA, miRNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTC) to aid in the management of cancer patients and elevate modern therapeutics. In addition, we aim to fully understand ubiquitin and ubiquilin as they relate to tumor regulatory pathways and translational responses to therapy resistance.
Research Topics
We are highly focused on developing quantitative translational oncology tools to improve management of solid tumor cancer patients. Discoveries made in molecular studies are rapidly translated for application at the bedside. We have partnered with biotech and pharmaceutical companies in developing treatment protocols and new molecular oncology approaches, the results of which may increase overall survival and eventually expedite development of a cure for patients with solid tumor cancers.
Main Projects
- We are looking for molecular blood biopsies in blood that include cell free nucleic acids (cfNAs) (ctDNA, miRNA, CTCs and exosomes). We assess/determine their clinical utility especially in diagnosis and prognosis during treatment.
- We assess patients who receive immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
- We assess various forms of epigenetic changes (methylation and histone) as related to metastasis and therapy resistance.
- The Molecular Research Department also assess DNA damage resistance related genes in response to drug resistance.
- We examine primary and extracranial brain tumor molecular biology.
- We assess regulatory mechanisms of specific ubiquitin and ubiquilin.