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Robert Torphy, MD, PhD, is a UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center member with research interests in tumor immunology.

MD, PhD
Assistant Professor, Surgery
UNC-Chapel Hill
Immunology and Immunotherapy Research Program

For patients: UNC Health profile

Area of Interest

My research focuses on elucidating the role of peripancreatic tumor-draining lymph nodes as modulators of systemic antitumor immunity in pancreatic cancer. Leveraging my combined expertise in surgical oncology, tumor immunology, and translational research, I aim to define mechanisms by which these lymph nodes contribute to immune evasion and to develop targeted strategies to reprogram them for therapeutic benefit.

Find publications on PubMed

Awards and Honors

  • Golden Apple Award – Resident Teacher of the Year, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 2023
  • Gold Humanism Honors Society, Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award, 2022
  • Ben Eiseman Research Award, 2022
  • Earnest E. Moore Award in Basic Science Research, 2022
  • Earnest E. Moore Award in Basic Science Research, 2020
  • TL1 Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship, 2014
  • George F. Sheldon Surgical Research Award, 2019-2020
  • Scott Neil Schwirck Research Fellowship, 2013-2024
Headshot of Robert Torphy.