Translational Molecular Pathology

The Translational Molecular Pathology department, under the direction of Ignacio I. Wistuba, M.D., professor and chair, is initiating a thematic change that will expand translational research. As MD Anderson moves toward molecular characterization of the cancers of all our patients, allowing their optimal assignments to promising new targeted therapies and potential identification of biomarkers of response and resistance, the department’s aim includes thematic translational research and preclinical molecular pathology research.

Our goal is to be the leader in translational molecular pathology research program in cancer of the world in alignment with the mission of MD Anderson to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation and the world.

We aim to pursue innovative research aimed at comprehensive molecular characterization of cancers with the help of patients enrolled in translational studies and clinical trials, and integrate this knowledge with basic and preclinical research approaches, to develop novel biomarkers for diagnosis, early detection, prognosis and prediction of response to therapy in cancer. These goals will be achieved through team science and multidisciplinary collaboration approaches involving faculty from the Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and the MD Anderson Cancer Center as well as from other leading institutions with shared research interests.