University of California San Francisco

Maker Lab Research

Maker Lab Photo

My lab research focuses on tumor immunology and early cancer detection. During my post-doctorate fellowship in the laboratory of Dr. Steven Rosenberg in the Surgery Branch of the NIH/NCI I authored many of the initial phase I/II trials utilizing anti-CTLA4 antibodies. After that I worked on expanding the role of immunotherapy for gastrointestinal tumors. My NCI/NIH and DoD-funded research program has identified an immunostimulatory cytokine capable of activating and supporting the proliferation of antigen-specific T-cells to incite an anti-tumor immune response in colorectal liver metastases. This strategy is currently being investigated in combination with oncolytic viruses and immune checkpoint blockade to elicit complete tumor responses. Furthermore, my lab has developed a gene signature to predict malignancy in IPMN from pancreatic cyst fluid. We house the international IPMN cyst fluid repository, one of the largest biobanks of its kind, for which he serves as the international PI. With this collaborative, we are currently validating a single-platform biosignature to accurately predict the malignant potential of pancreatic cysts.

Clinical Outcomes Research in Surgical Oncology

Using a range of data sources—including large-scale nationally validated databases and institutionally derived datasets—the Maker Lab conducts clinical outcomes research regarding hepatopancreatobiliary malignancies, gastrointestinal cancers, and melanoma. Our research involves understanding how tumor biology, surgical techniques, and (neo)adjuvant treatment affect perioperative care, quality of life, and long-term oncologic outcomes. Our original investigations have been presented at various premier conferences in the field (American College of Surgeons, International Hepato-Pancreato Biliary Association, Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, Society of Surgical Oncology, Western Surgical Association ...

Exploring the Tumor Immune Microenvironment of Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms to Prevent Development of Pancreatic Cancer

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253(22)00235-7/fulltext Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and deadly cancers, projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States by 2030. A subset of these cancers develops from precancerous pancreatic cysts—specifically, Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms (IPMNs), Intraductal Oncocytic Papillary Neoplasms (IOPNs), and Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms (MCNs). These cystic lesions are unique because they are the only precursors to pancreatic cancer that can be identified through imaging, offering a rare opportunity for early intervention ...

Identification of Biomarkers to improve the diagnosis and risk stratification of pancreatic cystic tumors

Pancreatic cancer is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer related death by 2030. As new therapies are developed to treat malignant lesions of the pancreas, a big effort is also dedicated to the early detection of pancreatic lesions with the potential to progress to an invasive cancer. The only radiologically identifiable precursors that we know of are Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms (IPMN) and Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms (MCN). These cystic tumors are nowadays diagnosed with increasing incidence thanks ...

Revolutionizing Liver Cancer Treatment with Advanced Therapeutic Delivery Systems

Our research aims to develop advanced methods for delivering the cytokine LIGHT directly to liver tumors in high concentrations, which could significantly enhance its therapeutic potential when combined with immunotherapies like anti-CTLA4. Systemic injection of soluble cytokines presents challenges such as a short half-life, off-target effects, and toxicity, making it an impractical approach. Thus, innovative macroscopic and microscopic delivery systems are essential to overcome these limitations and achieve effective, targeted delivery of LIGHT. The liver's unique dual blood supply—primarily fed ...

Stimulating Lymphocyte Activation Combined with Inhibition of Immunosuppressive Signals in Colon Cancer Metastases

Colon cancer and colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are a significant and increasingly lethal disease. Though there is a strong scientific premise to harness the immune system to treat this cancer, there remains a fundamental gap in understanding of how immunotherapies can be utilized for the majority of these tumors, particularly microsatellite stable cancers. The central hypothesis is that the tumor microenvironment can be manipulated to enhance cytotoxic lymphocyte infiltration and activation, and that checkpoint blockade can be simultaneously utilized to ...