Research Abstract
I treat patients with gastrointestinal cancers at BIDMC. My research efforts meld with my clinical activities as I seek to expand and improve treatments for my patients through my work with the Muthuswamy Hidalgo lab. I have designed a protocol (HOPE Trial: Harnessing Organoids for Personalized thErapy) that is currently enrolling patients with pancreatic cancer to tailor treatment based on a phenotypic organoid based drug sensitivity assay. Organoids (3D cell culture) also serve as a platform for drug discovery (eventually including immuno-oncology drugs) and as a model to better understand drug resistance. Other research interests include peri-operative immunomodulatory interventions to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, and clinical research in GI oncology. In addition to my clinical and research roles, I enjoy teaching fellows, residents and medical students in clinic and through HMS courses.