Our laboratory is actively exploring the cellular and molecular underpinnings of cancers that primarily affect women. Our lab seeks to understand the biology and improve the detection, prevention, and treatment of ovarian and breast cancers. Specifically, we aim to understand the molecular and cellular signaling events that drive cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. A major area of interest is in understanding how cancer cells create a permissive tumor microenvironment, specifically through the transfer of small extracellular vesicles called exosomes. Our research aims to exploit and interrogate exosome-mediated intercellular communication to overcome cancer progression, and therapeutic resistance, and as potential biomarkers. We are also interested in understanding the mechanisms of chemoresistance, which results in tumor recurrence and poor outcomes for women with cancer. We are actively developing new therapeutic combinations aimed at overcoming this clinical challenge. Lastly, we are interested in understanding the physiological (e.g., obesity) and the social and economic factors contributing to increased incidence and poor outcomes in women with breast and gynecologic cancers.
