Research Abstract
My laboratory and clinical interests are primarily in the area of aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. In the laboratory, we are attempting to identify cellular and molecular features which contribute to the unique natural histories of clinically relevant subsets of patients with aggressive B-cell lymphomas. These laboratory-based initiatives are closely integrated with longstanding clinical efforts to identify and treat subsets of patients whose aggressive B-cell lymphomas have very different natural histories. Another major area of emphasis in the laboratory is the interaction between tumor cells and surrounding stroma and the development of a conducive tumor microenvironment. We have developed in vitro models to analyze the events associated with the interaction between epithelial carcinoma cells and stromal elements and have begun to develop similar informative in vitro models for the interaction between aggressive B-cell lymphomas and relevant stromal components.