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Translational Research and Interventional Oncology Research Program

The Translational Research and Interventional Oncology Research Program  is an integrated multi-disciplinary program that provides the opportunity for clinical investigators and laboratory scientists to collaboratively address the rapidly changing landscape of cancer therapy. The program traverses multiple disciplines, including precision oncology, immuno-oncology, cellular therapy, and immune-toxicity.

RESEARCH THEMES

The Translational Research and Interventional Oncology program is dedicated to translating our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis and tumor progression into novel therapeutic strategies for patients with cancer. 

Developing early phase clinical trials for therapies directed at genetic changes in tumors and for novel immunotherapeutic combinations

Investigating why some tumors become resistant to immunotherapies and genetically targeted therapies and developing new strategies to prevent and overcome resistance

Applying and enhancing innovative immunotherapeutic strategies and cellular therapies for cancer

Meet the Program Members

The Translational Research and Interventional Oncology Program is the largest of the cancer center's formal research programs, representing a range of clinical and translational cancer research areas. The program is led by Douglas Johnson, M.D., M.S.C.I., Kristen K. Ciombor, M.D., M.S.C.I and Eben Rosenthal, M.D.

Featured Publications

Program News

February 5, 2021

Convalescent plasma improved survival in COVID-19 patients with blood cancers

Treatment with convalescent plasma vastly improved the survival rate of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 who also had hematologic malignances that compromise the immune system, according to new data released by the COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium (CCC19).
January 5, 2021

VUMC, Case Western apply artificial intelligence to “customize” oral cancer treatment

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland have been awarded a five-year, $3.3 million grant by the National Cancer Institute to apply artificial intelligence (AI) to help customize treatment for oral cancer patients.
October 29, 2020

Lovly to chair foundation’s scientific leadership board

Christine Lovly, MD, PhD, Ingram Associate Professor of Cancer Research, has been named incoming chair of GO2 Foundation’s Scientific Leadership Board (SLB).