Research

Washington University physicians in the Section of Endocrine and Oncologic Surgery are involved in leading research efforts to investigate cancer of the breast and of the endocrine system (the adrenal glands, pancreas, parathyroid, thyroid and other endocrine organs). Physicians in this section also are credited with identifying the Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome-2 (MEN-2) gene and continue with research into the MEN syndromes.

Rebecca Aft, M.D., Ph.D., in the lab.

Current research projects by endocrine and oncologic surgeons include:

• The immune response to various human tumors, especially breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer
• Genetic studies of endocrine cancers and sarcomas
• Genetic studies of chest, gastrointestinal and gynecologic tumors
• Genetic studies of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes and related tumors
• Clinical trials in the treatment of metastatic thyroid cancer
• The role of glucose transporters in breast cancer and their use as possible diagnostic and therapeutic targets
• Patient safety in surgical procedures

Learn more about:

• Research projects being conducted by the Section of Endocrine and Oncologic Surgery

• Volunteer for Health

• Clinical trials sponsored by Siteman Cancer Center

• Department of Surgery research