MD, MPH
Assistant Professor, Pediatrics
UNC-Chapel Hill
Clinical Research
Meet Thomas Alexander
Area of Interest
Thomas Alexander, MD, MPH, is combining cancer genomic sequencing with global health research collaborators to increase access to accurate and accessible, diagnostic testing for children with cancer.
His priority area of translational research is the development of resource-appropriate diagnostic techniques for pediatric cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Over 80% of children who develop cancer worldwide are diagnosed in LMIC, where access to diagnostic technologies is limited and survival rates are low. To address this health disparity, he is advancing an innovative, cost-effective sequencing approach to expand global access to comprehensive pediatric cancer diagnostics. Dr. Alexander and his collaborators began with a focus on leukemia but have expanded their focus to include pediatric solid tumors. The components of the research include technical and computational development using a Nanopore sequencing approach, and implementation science approach through international collaborations. The research involves close collaborations with researchers in the Department of Biology, Department of Genetics, and the School of Pharmacy at UNC. Through this research, he collaborates closely with researchers at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as well as teams in Malawi, Pakistan, Uganda, Brazil, and India.
Additionally, he participates in clinical trial development and leadership through multiple pediatric oncology networks, including national cooperative groups, institutional collaborations, and industry-sponsored studies, primarily focused on clinical trials to advance therapy for children with acute leukemia. In 2023, he became the site principal investigator for the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), where he leads between 15-25 active trials at UNC open through the COG.
Awards and Honors
- R21 NIH Grant, Principle Investigator, 2022-2024
- Clinical Trialist Training Program Scholar, 2022-2023
- UNC K12 Oncology Grant Aware, 2021-2023
- Carolina For The Kids Faculty Investigator Award, 2020-2021
- St. Baldrick Research Award Grant, 2019-2020
- Abstract Achievement Award, American Society of Hematology, 2016
- Young Investigator Travel Grant, Society for Hematologic Oncology, 2015
- WakeMed Pediatric Resident of the Year, 2012-2013
- Harvey J. Hamrick Award for Excellence in Teaching, UNC Pediatrics, 2012-2013
- Floyd W. Denny Alumni Society Resident Award, UNC Pediatrics, 2012-2013
- Harvey J. Hamrick Award for Excellence in Teaching, UNC Pediatrics, 2010-2011
News and Stories
Adaptive whole-genome sequencing could transform childhood leukemia diagnosis
UNC Lineberger researchers have demonstrated a faster, more cost-effective approach to analyzing the genetic makeup of pediatric acute leukemia. Determining a cancer’s genomic classification is critical to developing a more effective treatment plan tailored to a patient’s tumor.
Nanotechnology offers lower cost, high accuracy approach to diagnosing leukemias in low resource countries
A newer, less expensive nanotechnology may make it possible to more accurately diagnose children with acute leukemia in lower income countries, according to findings by Thomas Alexander, MD, MPH, and colleagues.
