Participating Institutions & Investigators

Dr. Aggarwal completed her medical education at Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India, 2003 (MD) and University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2005 (for MPH in Health Care Organization and Policy). Dr. Aggarwal then went on to complete Post-Graduate Training with an Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine at the State University of New York. She completed a Fellowship in Hematology-Oncology at Temple University-Fox Chase Cancer Center, 2008-2011 and was Chief Fellow during 2010-2011. She holds certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine, 2008; Hematology, 2011; and Medical Oncology, 2011. Her professional memberships include the American Association of Cancer Research, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Melina Marmarelis, MD, MSCE, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and the Medical Director of the Penn Medicine Mesothelioma Program. She specializes in thoracic medical oncology. Her research focuses on early phase clinical trials in lung cancer and mesothelioma, determinants of therapy resistance and sensitivity, and molecular characteristics and testing in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). She is the co-director of the Molecular Tumor Board at the University of Pennsylvania and Physician lead for the Airways Clinical Trials Research Program. Dr. Marmarelis earned her medical degree at Harvard Medical School. She completed her residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Hematology/Oncology fellowship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Marmarelis is board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology.  

The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. The pre-eminent position of the Cancer Center is reflected in its continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute since 1973, one of 41 such Centers in the United States.

The Abramson Cancer Center is dedicated to innovative and compassionate cancer care. The clinical program, comprised of a dedicated staff of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, nutritionists and patient care coordinators, currently sees over 90,000 outpatient visits, over 11,800 inpatient discharges, and provides over 37,000 chemotherapy treatments, and more than 66,000 radiation treatments.

In addition, the Abramson Cancer Center is home to the 400+ basic, translational and clinical scientists who work relentlessly to determine the pathogenesis of cancer. Together, the faculty are committed to improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Learn more at  www.penncancer.org

Dr. Andrew J. Brenner, M.D., Ph.D., is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at UT Health San Antonio and a leading physician-scientist at the Mays Cancer Center, home to the UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center. He specializes in breast cancer and central nervous system malignancies, including brain and spinal cord tumors. Dr. Brenner is internationally recognized for his work in developing novel therapies and conducting early-phase clinical trials.  He earned his M.D. from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and completed his residency at Baylor Scott & White Hospital. He holds a Ph.D. in tumor biology from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and UT Austin. His research focuses on tumor microenvironment dynamics, particularly the effects of hypoxia, resistance to antiangiogenic therapies, and the role of obesity in breast cancer progression.  Dr. Brenner also serves as Co-Leader of the Experimental and Developmental Therapeutics Program and is a Clinical Investigator at the Institute for Drug Development. His work bridges laboratory science and patient care, aiming to bring cutting-edge treatments to those facing the most challenging cancers. 

Dr. William Kelly, M.D., is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at UT Health San Antonio and a medical oncologist at the Mays Cancer Center, home to the UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center. He specializes in neuro-oncology and thoracic oncology, with a strong focus on translational research and immunotherapy for central nervous system (CNS) malignancies.  Dr. Kelly earned his M.D. from Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He pursued fellowships in hematology/oncology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and in neuro-oncology at the National Cancer Institute, where he also conducted research on immunotherapeutic strategies and biomarker development.  His work bridges laboratory science and clinical care, with a particular interest in understanding how corticosteroids affect checkpoint inhibitor therapy in CNS tumors. Dr. Kelly is dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with complex and rare cancers through innovative clinical trials and biomarker-driven treatment approaches.

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is a dynamic, urban-serving public research university committed to redefining higher education through inclusive excellence, innovation, and community engagement. As a designated R1 institution, UTSA’s mission is to advance knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement, and public service. The university is dedicated to fostering student success and preparing graduates to be global citizens and leaders in a rapidly changing world.  UTSA’s strategic vision, “A Vision for UTSA,” outlines a bold 10-year plan (2018–2028) to transform the institution into a model for the future of higher education. This vision is anchored by three strategic destinations: becoming a model for student success, a great public research university, and an exemplar for strategic growth and innovative excellence. These destinations guide the university’s efforts to create a thriving academic environment that supports students from all backgrounds, particularly those from historically underserved communities.  Research excellence is another cornerstone of UTSA’s mission. As a growing research powerhouse, the university is focused on addressing complex societal challenges through interdisciplinary research and innovation. UTSA supports faculty and student research across a wide range of disciplines, with an emphasis on areas that have a direct impact on the San Antonio region and beyond. The university also seeks to expand its research infrastructure and partnerships to enhance its national and global reputation.  UTSA’s strategic growth is guided by a commitment to innovation and excellence. The university is investing in new academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and digital transformation initiatives to meet the evolving needs of students and society.  In summary, UTSA’s mission and goals reflect a forward-thinking approach to higher education that prioritizes student achievement, and research impact.  (Learn more at: https://www.utsa.edu/about/)

Jeffrey M. Clarke, MD is Assistant Professor of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, and is a Member of Duke Cancer Institute. His education and training include: Internal Medicine Chief Resident, Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine; Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship, Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine; Categorical Internal Medicine Residency, Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine. He received his M.D. from Indiana University School of Medicine.

Dr. Clarke’s research philosophy: “I realized during a biology class in college that I could use my interest in science to help make a difference in people’s lives. It drove my decision to pursue a career in medicine. I realized early in medical school that I wanted to spend my career trying to understand cancer, how to fight it and caring for patients who have it. As a medical oncologist with Duke Cancer Center, I specialize in cancers of the chest, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Working closely with my patients, getting to know them personally and understanding their values and goals, allows me to develop individualized care and treatment plans for each one. The most rewarding part of my work is developing long term relationships with my patients and their families throughout their cancer journeys. I am motivated and inspired by how my patients live their lives everyday.”

Thomas E. Stinchcombe, MD is Professor of Medicine at the Duke Cancer Institute in the Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology of the Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Stinchcombe is a member for the Thoracic Oncology Program within the Duke Cancer Institute. He received his medical degree from the University of Virginia, School of Medicine in 1995 and completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Michigan in 1998. This was followed by a Hematology and Oncology fellowship at the University of North Carolina from 1998-2001. His clinical interest is in thoracic malignancies, and his research focus is clinical trials for non-small-cell and small-cell lung cancer.

Dr. Stinchcombe acts as Associate Editor of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology (JTO), the official journal of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). He is an Editorial Board Member of Clinical Lung Cancer and Lung Cancer and formerly of the Journal of Clinical Oncology and Lancet Respiratory Medicine. Dr. Stinchcombe is a reviewer of various oncology journals and funding societies and he has published hundreds of articles in peer-reviewed journals and authored different specialized book chapters.

Dr. Laura Alder is a medical oncologist at the Duke Cancer Center in Durham, North Carolina, specializing in lung cancer. She completed hematology/oncology fellowship at Duke and was thrilled to join faculty as an assistant professor. She is passionate about optimal personalized patient care, advancing clinical trials, and strengthening medical education. Her clinical research has focused on optimizing biomarker directed treatments for both early stage and advanced stage lung cancer, enhancing treatment options for patients with lung cancer and brain metastases, and improving outcomes in women and minorities facing lung cancer. She is also involved with designing and leading clinical trials which offer new and exciting options to her patients.

The Duke University School of Medicine is a community of scholars devoted to teaching, research and patient care. The School of Medicine incorporates a range of highly regarded, nationally acclaimed health education, biomedical graduate, and certificate and training programs. The school also includes the research efforts of more than 2,100 basic and clinical faculty in 22 departments and 15 centers and institutes. Their combined efforts make Duke one of the largest biomedical research enterprises in the country, with more than $650 million in sponsored research expenditures annually. Duke Health conceptually integrates the Duke University School of Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University Health System, Private Diagnostic Clinic (Duke physicians practice), and incorporates the health and health research programs within the Duke Global Health Institute as well as those in schools and centers across Duke University, including the Duke Robert J. Margolis Center for Health Policy. Learn more at:  https://corporate.dukehealth.org/who-we-are.

Dr. Lam is the Director of the Esophageal Cancer Research Program and Assistant Professor of Oncology at Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Lam received his medical degree from University of California San Francisco School of Medicine. He did his fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at University of Maryland Medical Center and Residency and in Internal Medicine at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine

Dr. Lam is a clinical and translational researcher with a focus on cancer genomics, liquid biopsies, and novel immunotherapies such as vaccines and cell therapies. He has been recognized with a Conquer Cancer Foundation/ASCO Career Development Award and an LCFA/IASLC/BMS Young Investigator Award.
Dr. Lam treats patients with lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mesothelioma, and other thoracic cancers. He directs the Esophageal Cancer Research Program at Johns Hopkins. Learn more about Dr. Lam at PubMed

Johns Hopkins Medicine (JHM), headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, is a $7 billion integrated global health enterprise and one of the leading health care systems in the United States. Johns Hopkins Medicine unites physicians and scientists of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine with the organizations, health professionals and facilities of The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System.

Johns Hopkins Medicine’s vision, “Together, we will deliver the promise of medicine,” is supported by its mission to improve the health of the community and the world by setting the standard of excellence in medical education, research and clinical care. Diverse and inclusive, Johns Hopkins Medicine educates medical students, scientists, health care professionals and the public; conducts biomedical research; and provides patient-centered medicine to prevent, diagnose and treat human illness.

Johns Hopkins Medicine operates six academic and community hospitals, four suburban health care and surgery centers, and 39 primary and specialty care outpatient sites. The Johns Hopkins Hospital, opened in 1889, has been ranked number one in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 22 years of the survey’s 25-year history, most recently in 2013. For more information, visit http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/about/

David Gerber, M.D., is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine within the Hematology/Oncology Division at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Co-Director of the Experimental Therapeutics Program.

He graduated cum laude from Yale University in New Haven, Conn., and earned his medical degree at Cornell University Medical College in New York.

He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at UT Southwestern, followed by a fellowship in medical oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.

Dr. Gerber is board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology, and he holds medical licenses in both Texas and Maryland.

He is active in research related to lung cancer, including clinical trials. His research has generated more than 100 publications that he has authored or co-authored, including articles, abstracts, book chapters, book reviews, and invited manuscripts. His studies have contributed to invitations to lecture both nationally and internationally.

Dr. Jonathan Dowell completed his medical school education at the University of Chicago and received his internal medicine training at UT Southwestern. He then pursued his fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at Vanderbilt University, where he received extensive mentorship in thoracic malignancies from leaders in that field. Following fellowship, given his affinity for the clinical, research, and teaching environment at UT Southwestern, Dr. Dowell returned to join the faculty. Dr. Dowell specializes primarily in thoracic malignancies, including but not limited to non-small cell and small cell lung cancers, mesothelioma, and thymoma. He is also an active investigator in the clinical research program for these cancers at UT Southwestern. Dr. Dowell’s approach is to educate patients and their families about their illness so that they can make informed treatment decisions. In addition, Dr. Dowell is devoted to medical education. In 2018, he was named a Super Doctor by Texas Monthly.

The story of UT Southwestern Medical Center is one of commitment to excellence, dedication to discovery, and service to the community. It’s also a story of phenomenal growth, fueled by exceptional people with an extraordinary vision: to establish an academic medical center second to none.

Since its formation in 1943, Southwestern Medical School has grown from a small wartime medical college into UT Southwestern Medical Center, a multifaceted academic institution nationally recognized for its excellence in educating physicians, biomedical scientists, and health care personnel. The faculty also includes six Nobel Laureates, four of whom are active faculty members, 21 members of the prestigious National Academy of Sciences, and 19 members of the Institute of Medicine, a component of the NAS. UT Southwestern’s faculty and residents annually provide care to more than 90,000 hospitalized patients and oversee nearly 2 million outpatient visits. Learn more at http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/about-us/mission-history/index.html

Dr. Charles C. Hsu, M.D., Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. He specializes in the treatment of thoracic, cutaneous, and gastrointestinal malignancies, with clinical expertise in stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy, and re-irradiation techniques. His research interests include cancer epidemiology, novel radiosensitizers, imaging biomarkers for treatment response, and the integration of immunotherapy with radiation.

Dr. Hsu earned his B.A. in Molecular Biology from Princeton University, followed by a Fulbright Fellowship in hepatitis research. He received both his M.D. and Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the Johns Hopkins Schools of Medicine and Public Health. He completed his internship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and residency at the University of California, San Francisco, where he served as Chief Resident.

A recipient of numerous honors, including the American Brachytherapy Society Fellowship and the WHO IARC Fellowship, Dr. Hsu is a dedicated clinician-scientist committed to advancing cancer care through research, education, and innovation. 

Dr. Ricklie Ann Julian, M.D., is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, where she co-leads the Head and Neck and Thoracic Medical Oncology teams. Board-certified in both hematology and medical oncology, Dr. Julian specializes in the treatment of lung and head and neck cancers. Her clinical and research focus includes the development of novel therapies and early-phase (Phase I) clinical trials.  Originally from Tallahassee, Florida, Dr. Julian earned her B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Florida and her M.D. from George Washington University School of Medicine. She completed her internal medicine residency at Montefiore Medical Center and her hematology/oncology fellowship at NYU Medical Center. Prior to medical school, she conducted research at the National Cancer Institute at the NIH.  Dr. Julian is an active member of ASCO and SWOG and serves on the ASCO Guidelines Advisory Group for Head and Neck Cancers. She is the principal investigator on multiple clinical trials and is deeply committed to delivering expert, compassionate care in close collaboration with her patients.

Banner-University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the state of Arizona. The clinician scientists of Banner-UACC are engaged in more than 200 clinical trials, investigating a broad spectrum of new diagnostic, prevention, and treatment strategies. The GI Oncology Program at Banner-UACC is nationally recognized and has been awarded the title, “Pancreatic Center of Excellence” through the National Pancreatic Foundation starting in 2015. Banner-UACC is also a translational center that has developed a range of new cancer treatment and preventive agents that has given rise to more than 17 companies. The Center’s translational/clinical, and cancer prevention research is carried out in four scientific programs; cancer prevention and control, cancer biology, cancer imaging, and therapeutic development. Learn more at: http://uacc.arizona.edu/

Dr. Liu graduated sum laude from the University of Toronto medicine program, followed by residencies at the University of Toronto and a fellowship at the Dana Farber Harvard Cancer Center in Boston. He was Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School before returning in 2006 to the Ontario Cancer Institute–Princess Margaret Hospital. Dr. Liu’s major research focus is in molecular prognostic factors and pharmacogenomics of lung and esophageal cancer, with additional interest in head and neck, pancreatic, ovarian and testicular cancers, mesothelioma and thymoma. Trained in clinical and molecular epidemiology, he is the principal investigator of over three dozen completed, ongoing and upcoming cancer pharmacogenomic and molecular epidemiologic analyses of cancer observational studies and clinical trials funded by the National Cancer Institute (US), National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group, Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute, the Canadian Institute of Health Research, the Ontario Institute of Cancer Research, Cancer Care Ontario, Doris Duke Foundation and the Lung Cancer Foundation of America. As Professor of Medicine, Medical Biophysics, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto, and Professor of Epidemiology at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, and co-author of over 350 peer-reviewed articles, Dr. Liu has research interests in epidemiological outcomes database methods, novel analyses of high dimensionality biologically rich data, pharmacogenomic analyses of conventional and molecularly targeted agents using primary human xenograft models, patient-reported outcomes in pharmacogenomics, and knowledge translation of personalized medicine and pharmacogenomic algorithms into clinical practice. A major area of research is the use of machine learning approaches for analysis of symptoms and toxicity of cancer, and natural language approaches in large scale electronic health data analysis in cancer. He is a member of the Computational Biology and Medicine Program and Senior Scientist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre is one of the top 5 cancer centres in the world and the lung group is internationally recognized as a leader in clinical and translational research and lung cancer care. They have 12 site groups and 26 specialty clinics, and more than 3,000 staff who see over 400,000 patient visits every year. 850,000 square feet of clinical space house 202 inpatient beds, 16 linear accelerators, a state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance-guided Radiation Therapy (MRgRT) suite, and two Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion units, making it one of the largest comprehensive cancer treatment facilities in the world and the largest radiation treatment centre in Canada. Princess Margaret CC sees over 1,000 patients every day and has the capacity to deliver diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up care to close to 200,000 patients and their families every year. Through ongoing research, education and innovation, with more than 80 lung-cancer related trials annually, Princess Margaret CC continues to be on the frontiers of medical, surgical and radiation oncology, embracing the latest technology and international best-practices and setting standards for patient care. Learn more at: PMH/UHN

Dr. Stephen V. Liu, MD, is an Associate Professor of Medicine, Director of Thoracic Oncology and Director of Developmental Therapeutics at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center of Georgetown University.

Dr. Liu graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a major in Biology and a minor in Film and Media Studies, before receiving his M.D. at the University of Maryland. He completed his Internal Medicine training at the University of Pennsylvania and a fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at the University of Southern California, after which he received further specialized training in genomic medicine at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) under Dr. Daniel Von Hoff. He is a board-certified medical oncologist with expertise in thoracic malignancies including lung cancer, thymic malignancies and mesothelioma.

Dr. Liu has a research focus on the development of novel therapeutic agents and innovative combinations for the treatment of advanced thoracic malignancies. He is Director of Thoracic Oncology at Georgetown University and Head of the Developmental Therapeutics group at Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. His work has been published in journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of Clinical Oncology, Journal of Thoracic Oncology, Lancet Oncology, and Cancer Discovery. He is actively involved in post-graduate education and has been awarded multiple teaching awards for his efforts. In addition to leading national and global clinical trials for the treatment of lung cancer, Dr. Liu has also served as the Chief Editor for Frontiers in Thoracic Oncology since 2014.

Dr. Reuss is a thoracic medical oncologist at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. He also serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center.

Dr. Reuss specializes in lung cancer, mesothelioma, and thymoma. His research focuses on incorporating novel concepts and groundbreaking science to develop innovative clinical trials that advance the care of patients with lung cancer and mesothelioma. He has a particular interest in collaborating with scientific investigators to develop studies that help improve our understanding of the response and resistance mechanisms to immunotherapy in lung cancer and mesothelioma, as well as to develop trials that incorporate novel therapies that overcome immunotherapy resistance. He received the Young Investigator Award from the Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in 2019 for his research.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology at Brandeis University and his MD from the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry. Dr. Reuss completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Virginia’s Department of Medicine. He subsequently completed a fellowship in the Department of Oncology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is a not-for-profit, acute-care teaching and research hospital with 609 beds located in Northwest Washington, D.C. Founded in the Jesuit principle of cura personalis-caring for the whole person-MedStar Georgetown is committed to offering a variety of innovative diagnostic and treatment options within a trusting and compassionate environment.

MedStar Georgetown’s centers of excellence include neurosciences, transplant, cancer and gastroenterology. Along with Magnet nurses, internationally recognized physicians, advanced research and cutting-edge technologies, MedStar Georgetown’s healthcare professionals have a reputation for medical excellence and leadership. MedStar Georgetown University Hospital-Knowledge and Compassion Focused on You. Learn more at  www.medstarhealth.org

Dr. Jorge Nieva is a medical oncologist specializing in lung and head and neck cancer at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center of Keck Medicine of USC.

Dr. Nieva graduated from the University of California, Irvine College of Medicine in 1997, trained in internal medicine at University of California, San Diego and in oncology and hematology at the Scripps Clinic. In 2003 he joined the faculty of the Scripps Research Institute and the medical staff of the Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, CA. While at Scripps, Dr. Nieva pioneered new technology for the detection of cancer cells in the peripheral blood and discoveries related to the fundamental mechanisms of the immune system.

He was recruited to the Billings Clinic in Montana in 2007 where he served as department chair and was a program leader who established the multidisciplinary lung cancer and head/neck cancer clinics at the cancer center. While in Billings, Dr. Nieva led efforts to establish a research program in virus-delivered cancer gene therapy and immunotherapy. His teams were awarded certificates for excellence in the conduct of cancer clinical trials from the National Cancer Institute and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Nieva returned to California, joining the faculty of the Keck School of Medicine in 2014.

Dr. Nieva leads thoracic medical oncology efforts at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. He is a member of the Translational and Clinical Sciences Program at the Norris Cancer Center and the disease site head for Thoracic and Head & Neck Malignancies. His research focuses on host related biomarkers as predictors of cancer outcomes and is the principal investigator for the Cancer Moonshot program ATOM-HP which seeks to quantify the physical fitness of cancer patients undergoing cancer treatments. Dr. Nieva also serves as chairman of the Data and Safety Monitoring Committee for the Norris Cancer Center.

The USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, located in Los Angeles, is a major regional and national resource for cancer research, treatment, prevention and education. More than 200 basic and population scientists, physicians from the faculty of the Keck School of Medicine of USC and several USC professional schools/departments and the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences who are members of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center investigate the complex origins and progression of cancer, develop prevention strategies and search for cures. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has designated the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center as one of the nation’s 41 comprehensive cancer centers, a select group of institutions providing leadership in cancer treatment, research, prevention and education. USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center has held this designation since 1973, when it was named as one of the first eight comprehensive cancer centers. Learn more at  uscnorriscancer.usc.edu.

Dr. Tejas Patil is an academic thoracic oncologist with an interest in identifying novel biomarkers in thoracic malignancies and in the development of targeted therapies for lung cancer. His research interests revolve around two general themes. First is to optimize clinical outcomes for patients with lung cancer by using molecular methods to identify prognostic and predictive biomarkers that allow for greater and more personalized selection of anti-cancer therapies. Second is to understand adaptive mechanisms utilized by cancer cells that allow survival following targeted therapies and to develop novel approaches to overcome these resistance mechanisms. Dr. Patil has worked very closely with the University of Colorado lung cancer program and has designed a large electronic database of all patients seen through the University of Colorado lung program. This translational database connects detailed clinical information (demographics, staging, pathology, and treatment outcomes) with corresponding molecular data (including mRNA sequencing data) and human-derived cancer cell lines. He has leveraged this architecture to generate numerous clinical studies, with several resulting in publications.

In addition, Dr. Patil has been named recipient of the 2022 Hamoui Foundation and LUNGevity Clinical Research Award for his research surrounding RET-positive lung cancer. RET is a driver mutation found in approximately one to two percent of people with non-small cell lung cancer. This award aims to transform RET-positive lung cancer into a chronic or curable condition. His research, entitled MET and EGFR as biomarkers for amivantamab in overcoming RET TKI resistance, centers around two possible pathways that seem to be important for resistance to RET inhibitors, EGFR and MET signaling pathways.

Conventional methods of detecting EGFR or MET resistance may not identify many cases where both pathways are involved. In this study, Dr. Patil will use several different laboratory techniques to better detect and define EGFR and MET resistance. He anticipates that the EGFR and MET pathways can be blocked by a newer drug called amivantamab, which is a bi-specific antibody that specifically targets both EGFR and MET.

Dr. Rajat Thawani, M.D. is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and a medical oncologist at the Knight Cancer Institute. He specializes in lung and head and neck cancers, thymic malignancies, and early-phase clinical trials. Dr. Thawani is particularly focused on developing innovative, targeted therapies that enhance immune response and reduce side effects.

After earning his M.D. from the University of Delhi, he completed his internal medicine residency at Maimonides Medical Center in New York and a fellowship in hematology and oncology at OHSU. He recently returned to OHSU after two years at the University of Chicago, bringing with him a strong background in translational oncology and global research collaboration. Dr. Thawani’s work has been featured in leading journals and presented at major international conferences. His work emphasizes collaboration across institutions and has been published in top-tier journals such as Journal of Clinical Oncology and Journal of Thoracic Oncology.  He is known for his patient-centered approach, tailoring treatment plans to each individual’s goals and values. 

Dr. Chetan Vakkalagadda, M.D., is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology at the OHSU School of Medicine and a medical oncologist at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. He specializes in treating lung, thymus, and head and neck cancers, including cancers of the nose, mouth, throat, and thyroid. Dr. Vakkalagadda provides advanced therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted treatments, and is actively involved in clinical trials to bring innovative care options to his patients.

He earned both his B.A. and M.D. from Washington University, completing his internal medicine residency and hematology/oncology fellowship at Northwestern University. Board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Vakkalagadda is known for his compassionate, team-based approach to care and his dedication to improving patient outcomes through research and personalized treatment. 

Dr. Jeremy Paul Cetnar, M.D., M.S.H.P.R., is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the OHSU School of Medicine and a medical oncologist at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute in Portland, Oregon. He specializes in the treatment of genitourinary and thoracic cancers, including prostate, lung, kidney, bladder, and testicular cancers. Dr. Cetnar is actively involved in clinical trial research and is particularly interested in the social dimensions of cancer care, focusing on how patients experience life beyond the hospital.  He earned his M.D. from Loyola University of Chicago in 2002 and completed his internal medicine residency at OHSU in 2005. He later received a Master of Science in Health Policy Research from the University of Pennsylvania, where he also completed a fellowship in hematology and oncology.  Dr. Cetnar is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is known for his compassionate, patient-centered approach.

About Oregon Health & Science University

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is Oregon’s only academic health center and a national leader in health and science innovation. Its mission is to strive for excellence in education, research, clinical care, and community service. OHSU is committed to improving the health and well-being of Oregonians and beyond through a unique combination of healing, teaching, and discovery.  OHSU’s vision is to partner in making Oregon a national model for health and science innovation. This vision is supported by a strategic plan centered on six core goals: building a diverse and equitable environment; becoming a destination for transformational learning; enhancing health and healthcare in every community; advancing science through discovery and innovation; partnering with communities for a better world; and ensuring a sustainable infrastructure  The university educates future health professionals, scientists, and leaders through top-tier programs that emphasize lifelong learning and service. It conducts cutting-edge research in biomedical sciences, engineering, and health information, translating discoveries into real-world applications. Clinically, OHSU delivers advanced care, often treating the most complex cases in the region. OHSU also plays a vital role in community engagement, advocating for health equity and extending its mission through partnerships and outreach. Its values—transparency, diversity, integrity, and compassion—guide its work and foster trust with the communities it serves. OHSU is dedicated to transforming health through innovation, education, and collaboration, ensuring that its impact reaches across Oregon and into the global health landscape. Learn more at: https://www.ohsu.edu/about/ohsu-vision-mission-and-values

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) is a leader in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The center’s world-renowned team of experts provides an integrated, personalized and patient-centered approach to cancer care, including treatment, research, support, education and outreach. From a wide variety of wellness programs to a leading REACH for Survivorship Clinic, patients find support from diagnosis through survivorship. VICC is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of just two centers in Tennessee and 41 in the country to earn this highest distinction, and ranks in the top 10 nationwide for cancer research grant support.

Built on a long-standing legacy that includes the work of Nobel laureates Stanley Cohen and Earl Sutherland, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is focused on improving outcomes for all individuals diagnosed with cancer through collaboration and scientific innovation. Our work includes basic, translational and population-based research, cancer prevention and control, precision cancer treatment and breakthrough clinical trials, as well as community outreach, education and service. Learn more at  www.vicc.org

Dr. Jared Weiss is an assistant professor of medicine for hematology/oncology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, NC. Dr Weiss received his B.S. in neuroscience at Brown University in Providence, RI; his Doctor of Medicine at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, CT; his residency in Internal Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA; and his fellowship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and oncology. Dr. Weiss is an active clinical investigator in thoracic and head/neck cancers. He volunteers and advocates with the Lung Cancer Initiative of North Carolina and serves on their board of directors. He is Vice President of cancergrace.org and serves on the executive board of the Lung Cancer Initiate of North Carolina. He is the section chief of thoracic oncology at the University of North Carolina.

Dr. Patel is a thoracic and head/neck medical oncologist with a particular interest in clinical and translational research in immune and targeted therapy. She is an assistant professor of medicine, lung cancer clinical research group (POD) leader at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, NC. Dr. Patel completed her degrees at the University of Pennsylvania, studying cancer biology in the laboratory. After completing her Internal Medicine residency at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, she returned to the University of Pennsylvania to compete fellowship training in medical oncology. Her Ph.D. is from University of Pennsylvania in Cell and Molecular Biology, with Certifications in Internal Medicine-Medical Oncology, Board Eligible. She is a member of the UNC Molecular Tumor Board, ASCO TAPUR Molecular Tumor Board, ALLIANCE Immuno-Oncology Committee, and NCI Head and Neck Steering Committee – Rare Tumors Task Force.

One of the leading cancer centers in the nation, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. As one of only 41 National Cancer Institutes, UNC Lineberger was rated as exceptional – the highest category – by the National Cancer Institute. The center brings together some of the most exceptional physicians and scientists in the country to investigate and improve the prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer. With research that spans the spectrum from the laboratory to the bedside to the community, UNC Lineberger faculty work to understand the causes of cancer at the genetic and environmental levels, to conduct groundbreaking laboratory research, and to translate findings into pioneering and innovative clinical trials. Learn more at  www.unclineberger.org

Patrick Forde, MD is a Senior Consultant to the ATOMIC consortium. Dr. Forde previously worked at the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD in the thoracic oncology program. He treats patients with lung cancer, mesothelioma and other thoracic cancers. Dr. Forde completed training in internal medicine and oncology in Ireland prior to undertaking a further fellowship at Johns Hopkins and subsequently becoming a medical oncology faculty member in the Lung Cancer Program.

Dr. Forde’s research focus is in immunotherapy and, in particular, agents called anti-PD-1 antibodies which stimulate the immune system to treat cancer. These agents have shown promise in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer and Dr. Forde has developed a clinical trial of anti-PD-1 for earlier stage lung cancer patients. He is active clinically, treating many patients with thoracic cancers while maintaining an active research portfolio that aims to find new and better treatments for patients dealing with cancer.