I have devoted my career to caring for children with neuroblastoma and conducting clinical and translational research focused on understanding the biologic underpinnings of high-risk neuroblastoma to identify new therapeutic targets. I have also led efforts to develop risk classification algorithms in the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group (INRG) Task Force and the Children’s Oncology Group (COG). Through my leadership positions in COG, I have worked with my colleagues to translate laboratory findings into clinical trials for children with neuroblastoma. I am currently working closely with Dr. Mark Applebaum and Dr. Chuan He at the University of Chicago to investigate the epigenomic landscape of neuroblastoma and to develop liquid biopsy epigenomic biomarkers for response and survival. We are also conducting studies to determine the biological implications of the m6A epitranscriptome and are testing the anti-neuroblastoma activity of inhibitors of mRNA regulatory proteins. In studies with Dr. Desai, we are investigating the prognostic value of the immunogenomic determinants of the tumor microenvironment in high-risk neuroblastoma and other biomarkers to optimize treatment strategies for children with high-risk neuroblastoma. I am dedicated to training the next generation of leaders in cancer and academic medicine. I have mentored undergraduate students, medical students, residents, fellows and junior faculty, many of whom have gone on to have successful academic careers. I was appointed as the Inaugural Director of Faculty Scholars Program in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Chicago in 2020 and also serve as the Director for Faculty Development, University of Chicago’s Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois
- Fellow in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
1987
Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center
Chicago, Illinois
- Resident in Pediatrics
1984
University of Illinois Medical School
Chicago, Illinois
MD
1980
Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
BA - Biology
1976
Use of an Ethinyl Estradiol/Etonogestrel Vaginal Ring Alters Vaginal Microbial Communities in Women With HIV.
Use of an Ethinyl Estradiol/Etonogestrel Vaginal Ring Alters Vaginal Microbial Communities in Women With HIV. J Infect Dis. 2025 Mar 17; 231(3):583-594.
PMID: 39479902
Data set for reporting of peripheral neuroblastic tumours: recommendations from the international collaboration on cancer reporting (ICCR).
Data set for reporting of peripheral neuroblastic tumours: recommendations from the international collaboration on cancer reporting (ICCR). Histopathology. 2025 Feb 24.
PMID: 39989174
Artificial intelligence-based morphologic classification and molecular characterization of neuroblastic tumors from digital histopathology.
Artificial intelligence-based morphologic classification and molecular characterization of neuroblastic tumors from digital histopathology. NPJ Precis Oncol. 2024 Nov 08; 8(1):255.
PMID: 39511421
Outcomes of patients with intermediate-risk neuroblastoma presenting with motor deficits relating to intraspinal tumor extension: A report from the Children's Oncology Group study ANBL0531.
Outcomes of patients with intermediate-risk neuroblastoma presenting with motor deficits relating to intraspinal tumor extension: A report from the Children's Oncology Group study ANBL0531. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2025 Jan; 72(1):e31407.
PMID: 39502014
Use of an Ethinyl Estradiol/Etonogestrel Vaginal Ring Alters Vaginal Microbial Communities in Women with HIV.
Use of an Ethinyl Estradiol/Etonogestrel Vaginal Ring Alters Vaginal Microbial Communities in Women with HIV. J Infect Dis. 2024 Oct 31.
PMID: 39479902
Improvements in Children's Oncology Group neuroblastoma risk stratification through a change in age cut-off and use of INRGSS.
Improvements in Children's Oncology Group neuroblastoma risk stratification through a change in age cut-off and use of INRGSS. Transl Pediatr. 2024 Oct 01; 13(10):1899-1901.
PMID: 39524386
Evaluation of Image-Defined Risk Factor (IDRF) Assessment in Patients With Intermediate-risk Neuroblastoma: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group Study ANBL0531.
Evaluation of Image-Defined Risk Factor (IDRF) Assessment in Patients With Intermediate-risk Neuroblastoma: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group Study ANBL0531. J Pediatr Surg. 2025 Jan; 60(1):161896.
PMID: 39317567
The global population stru cture of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and its application to an investigation of a rare case of infective endocarditis.
The global population stru cture of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and its application to an investigation of a rare case of infective endocarditis. PLoS One. 2024; 19(8):e0300843.
PMID: 39213326
Characterizing Relationships between T-cell Inflammation and Outcomes in Patients with High-Risk Neuroblastoma According to Mesenchymal and Adrenergic Signatures.
Characterizing Relationships between T-cell Inflammation and Outcomes in Patients with High-Risk Neuroblastoma According to Mesenchymal and Adrenergic Signatures. Cancer Res Commun. 2024 08 01; 4(8):2255-2266.
PMID: 39099200
Impact of risk-based therapy on late morbidity and mortality in neuroblastoma survivors: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study.
Impact of risk-based therapy on late morbidity and mortality in neuroblastoma survivors: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2024 Jun 07; 116(6):885-894.
PMID: 38460547