My goal at Houston Methodist (HM) is to strategically integrate basic/translational research efforts in the Department of Urology and Neal Cancer Center to expedite innovative investigator-initiated clinical trials (IITs) to benefit cancer patients and build training reputation in GU Oncology. Building on my current research and training momentum, this CPRIT Award will propel the following objectives: 1) Leverage HM’s extraordinary clinical infrastructure to translate discoveries into IITs. 1a) Plan and initiate a proof-of-concept Phase 1 clinical trial of iDAMP blockade as an innovative approach to enhance chemoimmunotherapy response in bladder cancer patients, filling a major clinical gap ...

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My goal at Houston Methodist (HM) is to strategically integrate basic/translational research efforts in the Department of Urology and Neal Cancer Center to expedite innovative investigator-initiated clinical trials (IITs) to benefit cancer patients and build training reputation in GU Oncology. Building on my current research and training momentum, this CPRIT Award will propel the following objectives:

1) leverage HM’s extraordinary clinical infrastructure to translate discoveries into IITs; 1a) plan and initiate a proof-of-concept Phase 1 clinical trial of iDAMP blockade as an innovative approach to enhance chemoimmunotherapy response in bladder cancer patients, filling a major clinical gap as chemoimmunotherapy failed to improve overall survival in two Phase 3 trials (IMvigor130 & KEYNOTE-361); 1b) generalize iDAMP blockade to induce immunogenic cell death to other treatment modalities (e.g., radiation) and cancer types; 1c) establish a Center for TME in GU Oncology to align new and existing faculty with complementary expertise to compete for extramural grants to fund IITs.

2) translate scientific discoveries into commercialization; 2a) establish synergistic collaborations within HM and amongst other Houston institutions; 2b) leverage CPRIT high-throughput screening facilities to discover and validate drugs that induce immunogenic cell death, using our established assays and models; 2c) initiate a start-up company in Houston, building upon HM’s Translational Research Initiative.

3) enhance Texas’ research capacity by leveraging my successful record in mentoring trainees into independence. 3a) train the next generation of translational cancer scientists; 3b) promote diversity in research by co-leading institutional T32 or CRPIT training grants; 3c) engage in patient advocacy to promote community awareness (e.g., AACR Scientist<->Survivor Houston local chapter). 

4) report our research in high-impact journals.

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