Current activity: My research currently focuses on improving anti-tumor immune responses in head and neck cancer patients. Head and neck cancers induce profound immune defects in patients and tumor-bearing animals. Our projects focus on understanding and overcoming these immune defects. We are currently using the SCC VII/SF mouse model to investigate and overcome the selective recruitment of ineffective T-cells into the tumor microenvironment. In addition, translational studie
s with specimens from cancer patients are focusing on means to enhance anti-tumor immune responses. We are also conducting laboratory studies for a clinical trial that is studying immune responses in head and neck cancer patients undergoing docetaxol and radiation therapy. Recently, we published the results of our studies treating head and neck cancer patients with a vitamin D analogue to improve immune function. We are now gearing up to start a second trial combining chemotherapy with the vitamin D analogue to further improve anti-tumor immune responses as well as preclinical studies in the SCC VII/SF model to address several questions regarding the mechanisms involved in the anti-tumor immune responses.

Personal: I am married to Doug Lathers and we have one daughter, Rachael. We just recently relocated from the Chicago area to the Charleston, SC area. We live in a small town northwest of Charleston and love the small town feel and all the outdoor activities. The hiking and biking here are terrific and of course, the beach is absolutely fabulous.