Our lab examines viruses and immune function as risk factors for cancer development and progression/outcome. Our research looks for novel ways to identify and catalog molecular markers of viral infection, including host-virus interactions, as risk factors for the development of cancer. Much of this work has focused on Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV); however, we are currently expanding those efforts to include Human herpesvirus (HHV) 6. We also examine genetic variants related to inflammation and infection that might increase risk for cancer development or progression.
We are actively involved with two large international research groups focused on two rare tumors: the Brain Tumor Epidemiology Consortium and the Childhood Leukemia International Consortium. We are also involved with a large Program Project Grant evaluating novel imaging technology for the detection of HPV-related cervical cancer and precancer.
The final aspect of our research program examines factors that contribute to the poor prognosis and outcome for brain tumor and pediatric leukemia patients, including neurocognitive decline and other therapy-related toxicities.