Mendez Mentors

My research work focuses on identification and targeting of aberrant splicing events in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. We have previously developed our own algorithm and pipeline for identifying clinically relevant splicing events which are tumor specific with a program called OutSplice as well as prediction of immunogenicity of predicted peptides using SINE. Therefore our current work seeks to evaluate the role of identified splice derived neoantigens as targets to enhance immunotherapy treatment response in HNSCC, as well as expanding analysis to other solid tumors.

Potential projects for one year research project include:
(1) Evaluating the efficacy of splice derived neoantigen based vaccines in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy in murine mouse models of head and neck cancer, with a goal to optimize vaccine design and validate T-cell response
(2) Collect, culture and evaluate patient derived samples (tumor and peripheral blood) to assess for immunogenicity of splice derived neoantigens in patients to assess the potential of splice derived neoantigen vaccines to enhance immune response
(3) Evaluate the role of splice derived neoantigens in non-HNSCC preclinical models to establish their role in other solid tumors including skin cancer

We are involved in basic science, translational, and clinical research, focused on drug development and drug repurposing to improve anti-tumor immune responses in head and neck cancer. We are also interested in immuno-aging. The ideal project would incorporate analysis of blood and tumor samples from cancer patients with clinical outcomes data, focusing on the role of immune aging in responses to therapy. Experiments testing new drugs or involvement in ongoing clinical trials are additional possibilities.

The student would need to have salary and benefits from another source. Medical students within the state of Georgia can apply for the Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) program with the Georgia CTSA, which provides funding and coursework for one year.

Potential projects:
Development of antifibrotic agents for the prevention of and treatment of radiation induced fibrosis.

Understanding the role of the microbiome in an animal model of osteoradionecrosis.

Delineating the role of doublecortin like kinase 1 in mediating locoregional invasion in head and neck cancer.

Developing therapeutic targets for secretory autophagy in cancer associated fibroblasts.

My research focuses on interventions that improve access to and quality of head and neck cancer care in resource-constrained health systems in the United States and internationally. Some of the ongoing projects and that a research student could become involved with is

• Expansion of a preventative dental care intervention integrated into surveillance visits: We are currently studying the integration of integrating fluoride varnish and education in HNC surveillance visits at San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco's safety net hospital. We are looking to expand this more broadly and understand policy and health provider barriers to broader dental preventative care among our patient population.
• Adaptation and implementation of the Global Tracheostomy Collaborative drivers to improve tracheostomy care in Tanzania: There are many avoidable complications associated with tracheostomy care. In high income countries, the Global Tracheostomy Collaborative (GTC) has developed a set of drivers to improve care and decrease complications. In this study, we aim to adapt and implement these drivers at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania. The study is entering the intervention adaptation and implementation phase, which a research student could support.
• Design and implementation of a multidisciplinary tumor board for head and neck cancers in a resource-constrained health setting: In Tanzania, we are working with a multidisciplinary team to design a tumor board amid a resource constrained health system. The study will likely be in the phase of piloting and implementing the model and a student could be involved with this phase.
• Otolaryngology Training of Primary Care Providers in Rwanda: In Rwanda, we are working on implementing a train the trainer model to expand knowledge of otolaryngology skills among primary care providers. This is particularly critical given that there are fewer than 30 ENTs among a population over 11 million in the country. We have adapted simulation-based curriculum created for medical school students and have implemented this for over 40 primary care providers. The next phase of this is expanding this more broadly using a train the trainer model.

There are additional projects based in San Francisco focused on access and delays to care. Finally, many of the international projects can be continued/ worked on remotely as well.