SIMEONE RESEARCH LAB
Welcome to the Simeone Research Lab. We are a research laboratory that has a basic, translation, and clinical research approach to tackle pancreatic cancer. Specific areas of focus in the laboratory include understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive early metastasis of pancreatic cancer, defining mechanisms of therapeutic resistance, and developing new, more effective therapies for pancreatic cancer. We also have a large research effort in early detection of pancreatic cancer. Our lab was the first to identify and characterize pancreatic cancer stem cells, define heterogeneity of pancreatic cancer fibroblasts, and identify the novel oncogene ATDC. Our lab has been continuously funded by the NIH since 1998.
Our unique program combines expertise from various departments and disciplines to deliver cutting-edge, evidence-based approaches in a personalized way to every patient as well as simultaneously supporting the basic science and translational research laboratories that study fundamental biological process and new therapeutic approaches to understand and treat pancreatic cancer.
“Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive human malignancies, with a dismal survival rate of nine percent and very few resources and tools to combat it. Both the incidence and mortality of pancreatic cancer are increasing, and it is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States by 2030. The striking realization of the increasing incidence and mortality rates of pancreatic cancer requires a renewed resolve and vision to change the trajectory of the disease. Our research team, through innovative and ground-breaking work that spans from basic science discovery, molecular and translational studies, and clinical trials, seeks to work tirelessly to move from a 9% to a 50% survival rate for pancreatic cancer in the next 10 years.”
- Dr. Diane M. Simeone
