Translational Research and Interventional Oncology Research Program

The Translational Research and Interventional Oncology Research Program translates advances in mechanism-based research into improved detection methods and therapies for cancer. With a primary focus on lung cancer, melanoma and leukemia/lymphoma, the program is dedicated to new discoveries in early detection and molecular oncology, and genotype-driven early phase trials for all cancer types.

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 cancer.

Early Phase Trials

Developing early phase clinical trials for therapies directed at genetic changes in tumors

Therapeutic Resistance

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

Immune & Cellular Therapy

Applying and enhancing immune strategies and cellular therapies for cancer

Early Detection

Developing and evaluating screening methods and biomarkers for early detection of lung cancers

Program Leader

Madan Jagasia, M.B.B.S.

Program Leader

Young Jun Kim, M.D., Ph.D.

Program Leader

Christine Lovly, M.D., Ph.D.

All Program Members

Featured Publications

Nivolumab Versus Docetaxel in Previously Treated Patients With Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Two-Year Outcomes From Two Randomized, Open-Label, Phase III Trials (CheckMate 017 and CheckMate 057)

Horn L (TR), Spigel DR, Vokes EE, Holgado E, Ready N, Steins M, Poddubskaya E, Borghaei H, Felip E, Paz-Ares L, Pluzanski A, Reckamp KL, Burgio MA, Kohlhäeufl M, Waterhouse D, Barlesi F, Antonia S, Arrieta O, Fayette J, Crinò L, Rizvi N, Reck M, Hellmann MD, Geese WJ, Li A, Blackwood-Chirchir A, Healey D, Brahmer J, Eberhardt WEE

J. Clin. Oncol. 2017 DEC 10 35(35):3924-3933 PMID:29023213

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Phase I/II Trial of Labetuzumab Govitecan (Anti-CEACAM5/SN-38 Antibody-Drug Conjugate) in Patients With Refractory or Relapsing Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Dotan E, Cohen SJ, Starodub AN, Lieu CH, Messersmith WA, Simpson PS, Guarino MJ, Marshall JL, Goldberg RM, Hecht JR, Wegener WA, Sharkey RM, Govindan SV, Goldenberg DM, Berlin JD (GI, TR)

J. Clin. Oncol. 2017 OCT 10 35(29):3338-3346 PMID:28817371

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Myocarditis with Immune Checkpoint Blockade

Moslehi JJ (TR), Johnson DB (TR), Sosman JA.

N. Engl. J. Med. 2017 JAN 19 376(3):292 PMID:28099832

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Fulminant Myocarditis with Combination Immune Checkpoint Blockade.

Johnson DB (TR), Balko JM (BC), Compton ML, Chalkias S, Gorham J, Xu Y, Hicks M, Puzanov I, Alexander MR, Bloomer TL, Becker JR, Slosky D (TR), Phillips EJ, Pilkinton MA, Craig-Owens L, Kola N, Plautz G, Reshef DS, Deutsch JS, Deering RP, Olenchock BA, Lichtman AH, Roden DM (NP), Seidman CE, Koralnik IJ, Seidman JG, Hoffman RD, Taube JM, Diaz LA, Anders RA, Sosman JA, Moslehi JJ (TR).

N. Engl. J. Med. 2016 NOV 3 375(18):1749-1755 PMC5247797

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Cardiovascular Toxic Effects of Targeted Cancer Therapies.

Moslehi JJ (TR).

N. Engl. J. Med. 2016 OCT 13 375(15):1457-1467 PMID:27732808

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Cracking the Code of Resistance across Multiple Lines of ALK Inhibitor Therapy in Lung Cancer.

Qiao H, Lovly CM (TR).

Cancer Discov 2016 OCT 6(10):1084-1086 PMC5117458.

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Program News

March 4, 2019

Investigators map genomic landscape of very rare cancer

Vanderbilt researchers have mapped out the genomic landscape of a metastatic malignant proliferating tricholemmal tumor and identified a targeted treatment for this very rare cancer.

March 4, 2019

Achilles’ heel for kidney cancer

A recent study found that renal cell carcinoma cells with mutations in an enzyme-encoding gene, SETD2, were sensitive to a drug that inhibits the enzyme PI3K-beta.

February 25, 2019

New algorithm calculates drug synergy; initial tests involve melanoma, lung cancer

Drug combinations used for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma aren’t as effective as they could be. That could change with a new algorithm developed by a cross-disciplinary Vanderbilt University team for calculating drug synergy.

More Program News