Research Interests of Branch Members

Dr. David Schrump is a thoracic surgeon who is internationally recognized for surgical expertise pertaining to lung and esophageal cancers, malignant pleural mesothelioma, chest wall sarcomas and pulmonary metastases. His research efforts are focused on the elucidation of epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation in lung and esophageal cancers and malignant pleural mesothelioma, and the development of epigenetic regimens including chromatin remodeling agents and novel tumor vaccines for the treatment of these neoplasms.

Dr. Chuong Dinh Hoang focuses on thoracic surgical oncology, with emphasis on malignant mesothelioma and thymic neoplasms. His clinical expertise includes all major aspects of thoracic surgery including procedures for lung cancer, other primary lung tumors, mesothelioma, thymic malignancies, esophageal cancer, pulmonary metastases, Pancoast tumors, and tracheal cancers.  He is developing a research effort aimed at translating deranged microRNA profiles unique to mesothelioma and other thoracic cancers for biomarker discovery and novel therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Shamus Carr's research builds upon the understanding of tumor biology and the interplay of genetic and epigenetic contributions to the development of cancer. His goal is to identify genetic and/or epigenetic characteristics of an individual tumor that accurately predict prognosis and thus better tailor individualized therapy for patients after surgery. Eventually, these findings may translate into non-invasive means of earlier detection and/or screening.