Our Research

  1. Mapping the Genomic Landscape and Evolutionary Trajectory of Feline Pancreatic Carcinoma
     We investigate the molecular underpinnings and progression of feline pancreatic cancer, with a focus on the genomic events that drive visceral carcinomatosis.

  • The use of laser capture microdissection enables us to precisely isolate cancerous and non-cancerous tissue regions for high-resolution genomic analysis.
  • We aim to reconstruct the evolutionary trajectory of primary tumor development and metastasis, providing new insight into the biology of feline visceral carcinomatosis.

This project lays the groundwork for identifying early driver mutations and potential diagnostic or therapeutic targets.

  1. Developing a Precision Oncology Platform for Canine Pulmonary Carcinoma
     By integrating patient-derived organoid models with genomic and histopathologic data, we aim to personalize treatment strategies for dogs with lung cancer.

  • We perform next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify mutations and copy number alterations unique to each patient’s tumor and analyze their role in organoid invasiveness.
  • Organoid-based drug testing enables the screening of both conventional and novel chemotherapeutic agents, providing guidance for individualized drug selection.
  • This platform bridges bench-to-bedside translation, enabling functional genomics to inform real-time therapeutic decision-making.
  1. Advancing Real-Time Histopathologic Cancer Diagnosis and Margin Assessment
     We are enhancing intraoperative cancer diagnostics to support the timely, accurate, and complete removal of tumors in veterinary patients.

 

  • We are optimizing cryosectioning methods and confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) for intraoperative tumor diagnosis and margin evaluations.
  • This approach enables real-time assessment of surgical margins, reducing the need for repeat surgeries and improving patient outcomes.
  • Our goal is to make rapid histopathologic feedback readily accessible in clinical settings, supporting better decision-making for veterinarians and pet owners.