MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
UNC-Chapel Hill
Clinical Research
Area of interest
My PhD research was centered on the tumor microenvironment and interactions between
macrophages, tumor cells, and cancer stem cells. Since that time, my interests have varied within the field of interventional radiology with projects ranging from bariatric embolization and dialysis fistula circuit models to uterine fibroid embolization and immunoembolization for the treatment of metastatic uveal melanoma.
My current clinical research interests are focused on improving the understanding of combined loco-regional and immunotherapies. Looking forward, I hope to discover improved treatment regimens within multiple oncologic malignancies such as hepatocellular carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, metastatic colorectal cancer, neuroendocrine tumor, and pancreatic cancer. Most recently, I am involved in two ongoing clinical trials. One combines loco-regional ablation and kyphoplasty in the treatment of pathologic compression fractures. The second is evaluating patient risk stratification using genetic and molecular markers from small renal mass biopsy samples. In addition, we are a clinical site for the investigation of radiopaque embolization beads used in chemoembolization of liver malignancies in which I am actively studying patients.
I hope to continue to broaden my research prospects within multiple areas of interventional
radiology. I have developed strong multidisciplinary clinical and scientific collaborative relationships with colleagues in oncology, hepatology, and urology. Furthermore, I value my role as a mentor, providing trainees with the opportunity to engage in clinical research and developing their interest in the field of interventional radiology.
