Wargo Laboratory
Jennifer Wargo, M.D.
Professor, Principal Investigator
Areas of Research
- Melanoma
- Immunotherapy
- Genetics
- Microbiome
- Targeted Therapy
Jennifer A. Wargo, M.D., runs a translational research laboratory studying the genetics of melanoma and other cancers with the goal of understanding what allows them to grow, spread and evade the immune system.
The research of the Wargo Lab is focused on using genetic targeted therapy to arrest the growth of these cancers and to make them more visible to the immune system. The lab is currently developing clinical trials incorporating what she has learned in the laboratory to treat patients with cancer. Her efforts in this regard have been nationally recognized, and she has several research grants for this work, including starting PRIME TR (Program for Innovative Microbiome and Translational Research). In addition to her important work in the laboratory, Wargo has focused on minimally-invasive surgical techniques for the treatment of skin diseases, including skin cancer. As part of the Surgical Oncology department at MD Anderson Cancer Center, she has contributed to improving management for patients with skin cancer and other skin disease.
Wargo Lab
Under the leadership of Professor Jennifer Wargo, M.D., M.M.Sc., the lab has produced many successful research scientists since the lab's start in 2013. Dr. Wargo continues to teach and nurture her current lab members in the study of microbiome and translational research. In 2020, Dr. Wargo started PRIME TR to further these endeavors.
2017 MD Anderson Best Boss Award Recipient
Jennifer Wargo, M.D., received MD Anderson's 2017 Best Boss Award for her dedication to management, leadership and employee recognition.
Jennifer A. Wargo, M.D. has received several accolades including:
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Rising STARS Award from the UT System (2014- 2017)
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The Regents’ Health Research Scholars Award, UT System (2014-2016)
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Outstanding Young Investigator Award, Society for Melanoma Research (2014)
Our Research Matters
Jennifer A. Wargo, M.D.
There’s emerging evidence that the bacteria within our intestines can actually modulate our immune system, systemically, in our blood stream and elsewhere in our body.
Learn more about our research