The laboratory of Timothy J. Eberlein, M.D., is studying the immune response to various human tumors, especially breast, ovarian and pancreatic carcinoma. He specifically is identifying the precise mechanisms associated with optimal recognition (i.e., co-stimulation, cytokines, pathways of activation). The lab currently is identifying antigens on solid tumors, studying methods to augment the immune response and working toward beginning human vaccine trials.
The laboratory of Jeffrey F. Moley, M.D., is studying the molecular genetics of cancer, specifically endocrine cancers and sarcomas. On the basis of their laboratory findings, they have designed and carried out diagnostic and therapeutic clinical trials with an interest in developing novel approaches to treatment of these tumors. The laboratory has also identified specific patterns of glucose transporter expression in cancer. The lab has cloned a novel member of the glucose transporter family, and its function and role in cancer are being studied. The laboratory is involved in collaborative studies to evaluate modifier genes in the development of the multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes. Researchers are carrying out prospective, therapeutic clinical trials of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the treatment of metastatic thyroid cancer.
The research interests of Julie A. Margenthaler, M.D., include the investigation of minimally invasive techniques using molecular analysis to stage the axilla in breast cancer patients. She is also very involved in the study of young women (<40 years) with breast cancer in order to identify the unique tumor characteristics in these patients and the novel hereditary markers present in their genome. Other interests include the investigation of the role of surgery in patients with metastatic breast cancer and the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy in multicentric breast cancers. Margenthaler is an investigator for the Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities and is currently investigating the barriers to early, effective breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in the underserved populations of St. Louis City.
The laboratory investigations of Rebecca Aft, M.D., Ph.D., are in the area of breast cancer. She is investigating the role of glucose transporters in breast cancer and their use as possible diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
The laboratory of Paul Goodfellow, Ph.D., focuses on the molecular genetics of malignancies including thoracic, gastrointestinal and gynecologic malignancies.
The research interests of Bruce L. Hall, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, are health systems and finance. He is a member of the faculty of the Olin School of Business. Hall directs the patient safety in surgery research program for the Department of Surgery.