In addition to my surgical work, I develop phase one and two clinical trials for patients with advanced breast cancer and melanoma based on my lab findings. I conduct these studies in collaboration with Drs. Jeter, Olencki and Kendra in the Division of Medical Oncology. These studies use immune-based treatments and targeted agents to destroy cancer cells in a more specific manner than standard chemotherapy. I have a number of active cancer research grants that look at novel immunological approaches to the treatment of advanced malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.