Research
Oncolytic Viral Therapy for Brain Metastases
We are actively exploring the role of oncolytic viral therapy for brain metastases. Oncolytic viral therapy has unique features that achieve direct tumor killing through tumor cell lysis and the elaboration of anti-tumor immune response. We are interested in exploring these properties and the ability to modulate systemic anti-tumor immunity for brain metastases across various histologies.
Chordomas
Chordoma is a rare primary bone tumor that arises along the craniospinal axis. Apart from surgical resection, treatment options are limited for these tumors. We are interested in understanding the immune cell composition and chromosomal aberrations of these tumors at baseline and at the time of recurrence/metastasis. Additionally, we are studying the role of immune checkpoint blockade and oncolytic viral therapy as novel treatment approaches for these aggressive tumors.
Spine Metastasis
The spine is a common site of metastasis and poses significant clinical/neurologic challenges. Spinal metastases are primarily treated with either radiation alone or the combination of surgical resection followed radiation. However, once spinal metastases recur, patients have limited treatment due to radiation dose constraints of the spinal cord. Due to this pressing clinical need, we are currently studying the unique features of the spinal metastatic bone microenvironment and exploring novel treatment options for recurrent spinal metastases.