Morgan Lab

Dr. Morgan leads a continuously NIH-funded laboratory focused on improving radiotherapy efficacy for locally advanced and metastatic cancers by combining tumor cell selective experimental therapeutics with radiotherapy- known as tumor radiosensitization. Her research program prioritizes translation of preclinical data to early clinical trials in patients with an emphasis on pancreatic cancer, biliary tract cancer, and pediatric diffuse midline glioma. More specific areas of research interest include targeting the DNA damage response, anti-tumor immune response, and tumor mitochondrial metabolism. 

Cancer cannot be cured unless the primary tumor is cured. Radiotherapy is used to treat up to half of all cancers and is second only to surgery in curing cancer. The Morgan lab aims to further improve efficacy, a concept known as tumor radiosensitization, bycombination of RT with experimental therapeutics targeting the DNA damage response, tumor immunology, and tumor metabolism. Her research program prioritizes pre-clinical research and translation to patients with an emphasis on pancreatic, biliary tract, and pediatric brain tumors.