Wefel Laboratory

Research

Our research focuses on characterizing the prevalence, pattern and course of neurocognitive dysfunction associated with cancer and cancer therapies; identifying the risk factors for these adverse effects; determining the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying neurocognitive and behavioral changes; and discovering interventions to prevent, minimize and manage cognitive dysfunction.

Our lab uses sophisticated clinical and neuropsychological techniques and instruments, digital biomarkers of cognition, neuroimaging techniques (e.g., structural, functional, physiologic MRI), fluid based biomarkers (e.g., genotyping, inflammatory markers, gut microbiome),  patient reported outcomes and innovative data analysis tools within the context of laboratory-based and investigator initiated clinical research, multi-national clinical trials and preclinical-translational research collaborations within the Texas Medical Center.  The goal of the laboratory is to maximize brain health and neurocognitive function.