• Cell signaling
• Tumor biology
• Metabolism
• Molecular & cell biology
• Tumor progression and metastases
• Animal models
• Therapeutics
• Imaging

The Thomas lab is currently delineating the mechanism whereby cells in the tumor microenvironment facilitate head and neck cancer progression and response to therapy. Several types of normal cells surround the cancer. These include blood vessels, immune cells and fibroblasts. The team demonstrated that local fibroblasts in contact with the tumor, facilitate tumor growth and metastasis. Characterizing molecules involved in tumor-fibroblast communication are critical in developing more effective therapeutic strategies. In addition to supporting tumor growth, fibroblasts are a major component of fibrotic reactions that contribute to tissue stiffness. Radiation therapy-induced tissue fibrosis is progressive, contributing to morbidity and severely impacting patients quality of life. The lab is in the process of identifying targets in order to reduce late-effects of radiation including fibrosis.