Rebecca C. Obeng, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.

The immune system is a key line of defense against lung tumors. However, recent advances that have improved the antitumor immune responses have only been partially successful in controlling or eradicating lung tumors. This is due, in part, because abnormal vessels within the tumor negatively affect the ability of immune cells such as dendritic cells and T cells to infiltrate into lung tumors and to mature properly into cells that effectively control tumor growth. We will use mouse models of lung cancer to determine if drugs that block haphazard vessel formation and those that promote migration of immune cells can improve the ability of dendritic cells and T cells to infiltrate lung tumors and improve tumor control.