Description of Research Expertise

My research has two focuses: the development of novel therapeutics in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and the development of biomarkers of PDAC. Development of novel therapeutics involves the conduct of therapeutic clinical trials in PDAC. Development of biomarkers involves the study of proteomics, metabolomics and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). These biomarkers have the potential to be used as tools for individualized cancer treatment and for developing novel therapeutics in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). I have the expertise, leadership and motivation necessary to successfully carry out the described research. I have experience in proteomics and translational research with specific training and expertise in key research areas for this application. As a hematology/oncology fellow at Penn, I developed innovative mass spectrometry and proteomic techniques for identifying serum biomarkers of PDAC. As the PI on several University and Foundation funded grants, and an NIH K08 research award, I have further developed these approaches. I have successfully administered these projects (e.g. staffing, research protections, budget), written and carried out IRB-approved translational research protocols, collaborated with other researchers, and authored several peer-reviewed publications from each project. As a result of these previous experiences, I am aware of the importance of frequent communication among project members and of constructing a realistic research plan, timeline, and budget. Current research builds logically upon my prior work and is currently funded via an NIH K08 research award and a Foundation research award focused on PDAC. I have chosen collaborators who provide specific expertise in clinical research (Dr. Eileen O’Reilly), expertise in mass spectrometry (Dr. Ian Blair and Dr. Paul Tempst), expertise in pancreatic cancer biology (Dr. David Tuveson), expertise in CTCs and gene expression profiling (Dr. Manuel Hidalgo), expertise in clinical trial design (Dr. Capanu) and systems biology and gene expression modeling (Dr. Nathan Price). In summary, I have a demonstrated record of successful and productive research projects in an area of high relevance for the NIH, NCI, Penn and MSKCC.

Description of Clinical Expertise

I am trained as a medical oncologist, I currently see patients at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the focus of my practice is GI malignancies. I see patients with esophageal and stomach cancer, colon cancer, hepatobiliary cancers and neuroendocrine tumors. I have a particular interest in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.