An exciting new frontier of research in our laboratory is focused on unraveling the metabolic dynamics of the tumor microenvironment, where cancer cells and immune cells collide in a biochemical tug-of-war. Our goal is to gain a mechanistic understanding of how tumors reprogram metabolic pathways to suppress immune responses and promote their own survival.
Our team is developing powerful metabolic imaging biomarkers that illuminate the immunometabolic landscape of both adult and pediatric brain tumors. These tools allow us not only to visualize metabolic changes in real time but also to pinpoint emerging therapeutic targets that arise from disrupted immunometabolism. By bridging metabolism, immunology, and imaging, we hope to reimagine cancer diagnosis and therapy- from identifying hidden metabolic choke points to building smarter therapies that restore the balance in favor of the immune system.