ACC is a rare but highly lethal cancer originating in the glands of the head and neck, like the gland that produces our tears. Our lab has developed several tools to improve our management of these tumors, including molecular diagnostic tests to detect cancer earlier, a repository of lacrimal gland ACC cell cultures to test novel therapies, adjuvant therapies to prevent ACC tumors from escaping chemotherapy, and cancer killing viruses that harness ACC traits as vulnerabilities to cause its own demise

Retinoblastoma is the most common eye cancer in children and is fatal if left untreated. Despite decades of intense research in RB as a model tumor in cancer biology, few advances were made in identifying the molecular determinants driving its progression and remarkable ability to develop chemoresistance. In a couple of articles published by our group in 2022, we identified the early mechanisms underlying chemoresistance, as well as a novel mechanism the tumor uses to survive and grow under stress. We are now working to turn these discoveries into improved treatment options that saves these children's eyes and lives

Sebaceous cell carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the oil glands of the skin and most often affects the eyelids. It can spread to the surface of the eye and make eye removal a life-saving measure. We have established cell lines for this cancer and have characterized the genomic and genetic landscape leading to tumor formation and migration. This information will help develop the most effective therapies to treat this disease

Also known as Grave's ophthalmopathy, TED is an autoimmune disorder that causes the tissues around the eye to become inflamed and enlarged and can lead to compression of the optic nerve - a sight threatening manifestation. We have completed comprehensive genetic characterization of the disease, identified pathways associated with its development, and tested novel therapies to address this debilitating condition