"Head and neck lesions developed from this mouse model have many molecular alterations similar to those found in HNSCC patients. Additionally, we have identified several new biomarkers that data suggest may be good targets for HNSCC therapy," Wang said.
Wang was recruited to OHSU to study head and neck cancers. Through her research and through personal acquaintances, her passion was stirred to help people with this type of disfiguring cancer.
"Before I came to OHSU, a woman who was helping me here with my new house asked what was bringing me to Portland. When I told her it was to lead OHSU's research on head and neck cancer, she said, 'Oh, my god, we were meant to meet. My husband was just diagnosed with head and neck cancer.' During my interactions with her after we moved to Portland, I realized how much this disease impacts patients and their family members. Then, only a few months later, a family friend was diagnosed with head and neck cancer. These two cases made me realize that this terrible disease could happen to people all around us, even our loved ones, and inspired me to my best effort in leading this study," Wang said.
"It was a true team effort of the head and neck cancer research division, especially with Dr. Shilong Lu, the first author on this study, who made the major contribution to this model," Wang said. Shilong LU, M.D., Ph.D., is research assistant professor of otolaryngology/head and neck surgery in the OHSU School of Medicine.
Peter Andersen, M.D., F.A.C.S., associate professor of otolaryngology/head and neck surgery in the OHSU School of Medicine; and Christopher L. Corless, M.D., professor of pathology in the OHSU School of Medicine, and member of the OHSU Cancer Institute, are co-authors on this study.
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Contact: Rachel MacKnight
macknigh@ohsu.edu
504-494-8231
Oregon Health & Science University
14-May-2006