Community Academic Profiles

Department: Stanford Cancer Institute

Division: Cancer Stem Cells

  • All Profiles
  • Faculty
  • Postdocs
  • Staff
  • Academic Appointments Professor,  Medicine - Oncology
    Member,  Bio-X
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Clinical Focus
    • Cancer
    • Colorectal Cancer
    • Oncology (Cancer)
    Research Interest

    Dr. Michael F. Clarke is the Associate Director of the Stanford Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine. In addition to his clinical duties in the division of Oncology, Dr. Clarke maintains a laboratory focused on two areas of research: i) the control of self-renewal of normal stem cells and their malignant counterparts; and ii) the identification and characterization of cancer stem cells. A central issue in stem cell biology is to understand the mechanisms that regulate self-renewa..

  • Academic Appointments Professor,  Pathology
    Member,  Bio-X
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Professor,  Developmental Biology
    Clinical Focus
    • Anatomic/Clinical Pathology
    • Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
    Research Interest

    Chromatin regulation and its roles in human cancer and the development of the nervous system. Engineering new methods for studying and controlling chromatin in living cells.

  • Academic Appointments Assistant Professor,  Radiation Oncology - Radiation Therapy
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Clinical Focus
    • Cancer  >  Radiation Oncology
    • Cancer  >  Thoracic Oncology
    • Radiation Oncology
    Research Interest

    My laboratory studies cancer stem cell biology and its implications for therapy. We are interested in developing a deeper molecular understanding of breast cancer and lung cancer stem cells, including identifying pathways and genes important for survival and self renewal. Additionally, we are developing methods for overcoming resistance mechanisms to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in cancer stem cells. Clinically I specialize in the treatment of lung cancer and applications of radiosurgery.

  • Academic Appointments Professor - Med Center Line,  Neurosurgery
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Member,  Child Health Research Institute
    Professor - Med Center Line (By courtesy),  Pediatrics
    Clinical Focus
    • Neurological Surgery
    • Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors
    • Neuro-Oncology
  • Academic Appointments Assistant Professor,  Pediatrics - Endocrinology and Diabetes
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Member,  Child Health Research Institute
    Member,  Bio-X
    Clinical Focus
    • Pediatric Endocrinology
    Research Interest

    The overall goal of our research is to understand on both a molecular and systemic level how hormones regulate stem cell fate decisions and the role these pathways play in both physiology and disease. We use molecular biology and in vivo models to elucidate mechanisms of regulating cell fate determination by the endocrine system. Understanding these processes has profound and broad implications for both science and health.

  • Academic Appointments Professor,  Developmental Biology
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Member,  Bio-X
    Professor,  Genetics
    Research Interest

    Regulation of stem cell division and self-renewal Cell type specific transcription machinery and regulation of cell differentiation Developmental regulation of cell cycle progression during male meiosis Molecular dissection of the mechanism of cytokinesis.

  • Academic Appointments Associate Professor - Med Center Line,  Urology
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Clinical Focus
    • Cancer  >  Urologic Oncology
    • Bladder Cancer - Urologic Oncology
    • Bladder Cancer
    Research Interest

    Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia- Evaluation and development of new minimally invasive techniques Endourology: developing, designing and evaluating new instruments Bladder cancer: outcomes of treatment BPH: cryotherapy and HIFU

  • Academic Appointments Associate Professor - Med Center Line,  Urology
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Clinical Focus
    • Cancer  >  Urologic Oncology
    • Prostate Cancer - Robotic Prostatectomy
    • Bladder Cancer - Robotic Cystectomy
    Research Interest

    My laboratory is focused on studying the role of DNA methylation in prostate and bladder cancer. Certain genes and their downstream targets may be useful molecular markers for disease detection and prognostication. We are interested in utilizing methylation markers to detect abnormal changes in serum and urine. Clinical Focus: Prostate Cancer - Robotic Prostatectomy; Bladder Cancer - Robotic Cystectomy; Urologic Oncology - Prostate, Bladder, Kidney, Testicular Cancer.

  • Academic Appointments Associate Professor - Med Center Line,  Medicine - Hematology
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Clinical Focus
    • Cancer  >  Hematology
    • Hematology
    Research Interest

    My research interests include phase I/II clinical trial evaluation of novel therapies for the following diseases: --Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) --Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) --Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) --Myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) including: Hypereosinophilic syndrome Systemic mastocytosis BCR-ABL-negative MPDs

  • Academic Appointments Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Clinical Focus
    • Cancer  >  Breast Cancer
    • Breast Cancer
    • Medical Oncology
    Research Interest

    Dr. Guardino has studied the mechanisms by which the immune system recognizes foreign substances like viruses, microorganisms and cancer and the ways the immune system becomes deregulated and attacks “self” as seen in autoimmunity. Her research identified the cellular interactions involved in immune recognition and has led to treatment strategies for cancer using immune therapies and biologic treatments.

  • Academic Appointments Professor - Med Center Line,  Neurosurgery
    Member,  Bio-X
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Professor - Med Center Line (By courtesy),  Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery)
    Clinical Focus
    • Cancer  >  Neuro Oncology
    • Acoustic Neuroma
    • Acoustic Neuroma - Head and Neck Surgery
    Research Interest

    Microsurgical treatment of tumors of the brain, spinal cord, pituitary gland and skull base; Radiosurgery of tumors; Molecular biology of brain tumors.

  • Academic Appointments Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Clinical Focus
    • Neurological Surgery
    • Neurosurgery
    • Neurosurgery, Pediatric
  • Academic Appointments Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Clinical Focus
    • Cancer  >  Gynecologic Cancer
    • Cervix Cancer
    • Cervix Cancer - Gynecologic Oncology
  • Academic Appointments Professor - Med Center Line,  Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery)
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Professor - Med Center Line (By courtesy),  Neurosurgery
    Clinical Focus
    • Cancer  >  Head and Neck Cancer
    • Head and Neck Cancers
    • Head and Neck Cancers - Head and Neck Surgery
    Research Interest

    1) New therapeutic approaches for head and neck cancer, including immune stimulation possibilities (IRX-2 protocol), integration of biological modifiers, and, eventually, genetic approaches. 2) Head and neck cancer stem cells: identification, characterization, control--in conjunction with the Irv Weissman and Michael Clarke labs in the Stem Cell Institute 3) Development of innovative surgical methods at the anterior cranial base

  • Academic Appointments Professor,  Developmental Biology
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Member,  Child Health Research Institute
    Member,  Bio-X
    Professor (By courtesy),  Medicine - Oncology
    Research Interest

    We study the genetics of pancreatic islet cell differentiation using molecular, embryologic and genetic methods in several model systems, including mice, embryonic stem cells, and Drosophila. Our work suggests that critical factors required for islet development are also needed to maintain essential functions of the mature islet. Our knowledge of genetic and cellular pathways governing islet formation has allowed us to use stem cell lines to produce islet replacements in vitro.

  • Academic Appointments Professor - Med Center Line,  Surgery - General Surgery
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Clinical Focus
    • Cancer  >  GI Oncology
    • Adrenal Cancer
    • Carcinoid Tumors
    Research Interest

    Interleukin-12 is a Th1 cytokine. It is important in the cell mediated immune response. We are investigating its role as an anti-tumor cytokine to augment the immune response against cancer. We are planning a human trial.

  • Academic Appointments Professor,  Developmental Biology
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Member,  Bio-X
    Research Interest

    Our laboratory studies Wnt signaling in development and disease. We found recently that Wnt proteins are unusual growth factors, because they are lipid-modified. We discovered that Wnt proteins promote the proliferation of stem cells of various origins. Current work is directed at understanding the function of the lipid on the Wnt, using Wnt proteins as factors the expand stem cells and on understanding Wnt signaling during repair and regeneration after tissue injury.

  • Academic Appointments Associate Professor,  Neurosurgery
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Member,  Bio-X
    Research Interest

    For most areas of the mammalian brain, the production of new nerve cells or neurons is restricted to fetal development. However, there are exceptions to the rule. Some areas of the brain continue to make new neurons throughout life. This neurogenesis is mediated by neural stem cells and our research goals are to understand how stem cell activity and fate are controlled. Ultimately, we hope to harness the nascent potential of stem cells to treat neurological injury and disease.

  • Academic Appointments Professor - Med Center Line,  Neurology & Neurological Sciences
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Member,  Bio-X
    Professor - Med Center Line (By courtesy),  Neurosurgery
    Clinical Focus
    • Cancer  >  Neuro Oncology
    • Neurology
    Research Interest

    Our laboratory focuses on two interrelated projects: (1) assessment of glioma development within the framework of the multistage model of carcinogenesis through utilization of the rodent model of ENU neurocarcinogenesis; and (2) assessment of stem cell specification and pluripotency using an embryonic stem cell model system in which neural differentiation is induced.

  • Academic Appointments Professor,  Obstetrics & Gynecology - Obstetrics & Gynecology - Institutes
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Member,  Bio-X
    Member,  Child Health Research Institute
    Research Interest

    The Reijo Pera Laboratory is focused on pluripotent stem cells and regenerative medicine with an emphasis on understanding key cell fate decisions in early human development. In particular, we examine early events such as the generation of pluripotent stem cells, somatic and germ cell lineages and pathologies that arise in development.

  • Academic Appointments Associate Professor,  Medicine - Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine
    Member,  Bio-X
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Clinical Focus
    • Pulmonology (Lung) and Critical Care
    • Pulmonary Disease
    Research Interest

    Our laboratory examines apoptotic and cell cycle pathways in cancer and lung disease. We have identified a novel cell cycle protein which regulates cell cycle progression in immune cells and the lung. We are also studying signaling pathways that regulate cancer cell growth and metastasis.

  • Academic Appointments Professor,  Developmental Biology
    Member,  Bio-X
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Professor,  Bioengineering
    Professor,  Genetics
    Professor (By courtesy),  Biology (School of Humanities and Sciences)
    Research Interest

    Our research is focused on the genetic regulation of animal development and its relation to birth defects, cancer, and neurodegeneration. We study mechanisms and functions of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, which controls cell fates and growth, in the context of normal development and brain cancer. We study a neurodegenerative disease, Niemann-Pick C syndrome, that affects intracellular organelle movements and sterol homeostasis.

  • Academic Appointments Associate Professor,  Medicine - Blood & Marrow Transplantation
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Clinical Focus
    • Cancer  >  Blood and Marrow Transplant
    • Blood and Marrow Transplantation
    • Hematology
    Research Interest

    Transplantation of defined populations of allogeneic hematopoietic cells. Specifically, the way in which hematopoietic cell grafts alter antigen specific immune responses to allo-, auto- and viral antigens. The cellular and molecular basis of resistance to engraftment of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells.

  • Academic Appointments Associate Professor - Med Center Line,  Neurosurgery
    Member,  Bio-X
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Clinical Focus
    • Neurological Surgery
    • Neurosurgery
    Research Interest

    My research focuses on screening strategies to identify and characterize cancer stem cells (CSCs) in human gliomas. We are pursuing this in several ways: 1) a novel colony-forming antibody live cell array to identify distinct CSC surface phenotypes, 2) RNAi screens to identify kinases critical for CSC tumorigenicity, 3) high throughput small molecule and chemical screens to identify compounds that selectively kill or target CSCs, and 4) identifying CSCs using the tumor specific EGFRvIII

  • Academic Appointments Professor - Med Center Line,  Surgery - General Surgery
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Clinical Focus
    • Cancer  >  GI Oncology
    • Liver Cancer
    • Liver Cancer - Surgery
    Research Interest

    Through a 3 pronged comprehensive program: translational and clinical research, early detection and treatment, and promoting education, awareness and immunization, we are working towards the development of new strategies that will lead to the elimination of hepatitis B worldwide and reduce the threat and incidence of liver cancer. Our current research efforts focus on evaluating potential new diagnostic and treatment markers and novel targeted therapy for primary liver cancer.

  • Academic Appointments Associate Professor - Med Center Line,  Medicine - Oncology
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Clinical Focus
    • Cancer  >  Urologic Oncology
    • Bladder Cancer
    • Bladder Cancer - Medical Oncology
    Research Interest

    Clinical interests: general oncology, genito-urinary malignancy Research interests: conducting clinical trials in advanced prostate cancer, bladder cancer and renal cell carcinoma

  • Academic Appointments Assistant Professor,  Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery)
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Clinical Focus
    • Cancer  >  Cutaneous (Dermatologic) Oncology
    • Cancer  >  Head and Neck Cancer
    • Thyroid Neoplasms
    Research Interest

    My laboratory is focused on two primary areas of research: (1) the immune response to head and neck cancer and to a tumorigenic population of cells within these malignancies called cancer stem cells; (2) the developmental programs of a special lymphocyte population involved in innate immunity called natural killer (NK) cells.

  • Academic Appointments Associate Professor - Med Center Line,  Surgery - Pediatric Surgery
    Member,  Bio-X
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Member,  Child Health Research Institute
    Associate Professor - Med Center Line,  Pediatrics
    Clinical Focus
    • Surgery, Pediatric
    • Pediatric Surgery
    Research Interest

    Current research interests include mesenchymal stem cell biology, clonal isolation of mesenchymal progenitors, signaling pathways for maintenance of potency and committment to differentiation. Additional areas of ongoing study are the mechanisms of liver regeneration. Interests include local and humoral cellular components of liver repair and regrowth; and the requisite cellular signaling mechanisms of liver stem cell biology.

  • Academic Appointments Associate Professor,  Obstetrics & Gynecology - Gynecologic Oncology
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Clinical Focus
    • Cancer  >  Gynecologic Cancer
    • Cervix Cancer
    • Cervix Cancer - Gynecologic Oncology
    Research Interest

    Gynecologic Malignancies Immunotherapy Biologic Response Modifiers New Drug Development Antigenic specificities of human antibodies encoded by the VH4-34 gene

  • Academic Appointments Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Member,  Bio-X
    Clinical Focus
    • Neurology
    • Neurosurgery
    Research Interest

    My research focus is on tumor angiogenesis. We are working on the contributions of progenitor cells in the formation of tumor vessels. We are particularly interested in a population of cells that are derived from putative "hemangioblast", and their role in vasculogenesis. We sumrise that these cells have a close association with cancer stem cells, and are essential in promoting tumor expansion.

  • Academic Appointments Professor - Med Center Line,  Pathology
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Professor - Med Center Line,  Pediatrics
    Professor - Med Center Line (By courtesy),  Neurosurgery
    Professor - Med Center Line (By courtesy),  Neurology & Neurological Sciences
    Professor - Med Center Line (By courtesy),  Comparative Medicine
    Clinical Focus
    • Pathology
    Research Interest

    My research interests include nerve and muscle pathology, mitochondrial diseases, pediatric neurooncology, and transgenic mouse pathology.

  • Academic Appointments Professor,  Pathology - Stem Cell Institute
    Member,  Stanford Cancer Institute
    Member,  Bio-X
    Professor,  Developmental Biology
    Professor (By courtesy),  Biology (School of Humanities and Sciences)
    Research Interest

    Stem cell and cancer stem cell biology; development of T and B lymphocytes; cell-surface receptors for oncornaviruses in leukemia. Hematopoietic stem cells; Lymphocyte homing, lymphoma invasiveness and metastasis.

  • Research Interest

    Current interest centers on the application of statistics to problems arsing from biology. We are particularly interested in questions concerning gene regulation and signal transduction.

Stanford Medicine Resources:

Footer Links: