Michael A. Davies, M.D., Ph.D.
Melanoma Moon Shot
About Dr. Davies
Michael A. Davies, M.D., Ph.D., is a physician-scientist with a long-standing interest in improving our understanding of the underpinnings of the aggressive nature of cancer, with a particular focus on melanoma. His research includes the use and integration of preclinical models, clinical specimens and patient outcomes in this disease. Areas of particular interest include identifying strategies to overcome resistance to targeted and immune therapies, and improving strategies for the prevention and treatment of brain metastases.
Affiliations and Related Links
Fighting Cancer: It's Personal
What makes the Moon Shots Program stand out?
I believe that the Melanoma Moon Shot™ has already succeeded in bringing together researchers from different fields and disciplines in a united effort to tackle highly important questions that will impact the lives of patients with cancer. We're also maturing many collaborative research projects between the individual Moon Shots™, which will help investigators rapidly determine if discoveries and advances made in one cancer can impact patients fighting other types of cancer as well.
What do you hope to accomplish?
We hope to develop new approaches to personalize and optimize the treatment of all patients with melanoma, which will improve the outcomes and quality of life of patients with early-stage disease and achieve long-term cures in the overwhelming majority of patients with metastatic melanoma. In addition, our education and outreach programs will greatly improve the awareness of the factors that put patients at risk for melanoma, and ultimately will help to radically reduce the incidence of this rapidly growing disease.
What makes your fight against cancer personal?
As a physician who takes care of patients with advanced melanoma, I've already known far too many patients and their families who have been devastated by this disease. I also lost my grandfather to melanoma.
What's your Moon Shot focus?
Our Moon Shot™ is building upon many breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of this disease, including several key discoveries by research leaders at MD Anderson and on the Moon Shot team, to reduce the incidence and mortality of this highly aggressive disease. Although my own lab’s research has generally focused on improving systemic treatments for patients with the most advanced stages of melanoma, my involvement in the Moon Shot has allowed me to apply our approaches and questions to many different stages and facets of this disease.
What motivates and excites you?
It's clear that we're in the middle of a revolution in the treatment of cancer. As a physician-scientist, it's thrilling to see the unparalleled tools and opportunities we now have to translate research findings into new approaches that will help patients with cancer. Our program's focus and investment on this central vision makes it exciting to come to work every day to be part of a team with this shared goal.
What else do you want people to know about you and your work?
In addition to research and patient care, I'm also dedicated to the training of future physicians and scientists who want to join the fight against cancer. The Moon Shot Program™ provides tremendous opportunities for trainees to develop into the next generation of cancer research leaders. It's also a great forum to explain to interested citizens and students why research is important, and how research can impact and improve our lives.