Research Knowledgebase
Viral Oncology Program
Program Leader(s)
Glen N. Barber, Ph.D.
William J. Harrington Jr., M.D.*
For a list of all the program participants and related research, click here.
Description of Program
The Viral Oncology Program focuses their research on viral malignancies including Gamma Herpes Virus, HIV , HTLV, HCV and HPV associated tumors that are prevalent in our community and present unique non-self therapeutic targets as well as outstanding models for mechanisms of innate immune evasion. A key objective is to develop novel strategies that exploit these targets.
The Program's clinical research attends to the underserved and generates, rather than consumes, resources for their care.
Careful recruitment of talented, funded and collaborative investigators is enhanced by access to primary viral cancers from our unique patient populations. The program can be broadly divided into two interactive groups: basic and translational.
Viral malignancies are highly prevalent in the Caribbean as well as Latin America. The demographics of these cancers are similar to those of the South Florida community. The Program scientists have expanded on longstanding programs (LATP) at Sylvester to develop unique international collaborations. Such partnerships are invaluable as these diseases are increasing in the United States.
*Dr. Harrington’s untimely death on Thursday, January 29, 2009, leaves behind a huge loss impossible to attempt to fill. The impact of his work is still being felt, and for that reason his profile will remain on this site for the foreseeable future.
Goals of Program
The goals of the Viral Oncology Program include:
- Investigating the mechanisms of oncogenesis and innate immune subversion in viral associated cancers that are increasing in prevalence in our region.
- Devising novel and targeted therapeutic/prognostic and preventive strategies for viral associated malignancies.
- Implementing basic and clinical international studies in developing nations that have a high incidence of these tumors.
Participants
Samita S. Andreansky, Ph.D.
Margaret A. Fischl, M.D., F.A.C.P.
Edward Harhaj, Ph.D.
Izidore S. Lossos, M.D.
Jaime R. Merchan, M.D., MMSc.
Enrique A. Mesri, Ph.D.
Abdul Moshin Mian, Ph.D.
Juan Carlos Ramos, M.D.
Walter A. Scott, Ph.D.
Gail Shor-Posner, Ph.D.
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