Oncology

Research Faculty

A photo of John Perentesis.

John P. Perentesis, MD, FAAP Director, Division of Oncology

John P. Perentesis, MD, FAAP, is a nationally recognized expert in the development of new therapies for pediatric cancers, leading new clinical trials through the Children’s Oncology Group, the NCI Phase I/Pilot Consortium, and the Department of Defense-funded Neurofibromatosis Consortium. His laboratory focuses on leukemia/lymphoma pharmacogenetics and has developed novel anticancer drugs and discovered genes important in the growth of normal and malignant cells.

513-636-8241 john.perentesis@cchmc.org

A photo of John Perentesis.

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John P. Perentesis, MD, FAAP

Director, Division of Oncology

Institute Co-Director, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute

Deb Kleisinger Endowed Chair

Academic Affiliations

Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Phone 513-636-8241

Fax 513-636-3549

Email john.perentesis@cchmc.org

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Clinical & Research Interests

Clinical

Young adult cancers; acute myeloid & lymphoid leukemia; Hodgkin lymphoma; new anticancer therapy development

Research

Molecular etiology and pharmacogenetics of pediatric cancers; Down syndrome-associated leukemia; new anticancer drug development

John P. Perentesis, MD, is a nationally recognized expert in the development of new drugs and molecular therapies for pediatric and young adult cancers and leukemia. His laboratory has developed novel anticancer drugs, and discovered genes important in the growth of normal and malignant cells. His laboratory is also developing the use of tumor and patients genetics research for personalizing therapies. In clinical research, he serves in leadership roles for the National Cancer Institute’s Investigational Drug Steering Committee and the NCI Pediatric Phase I Consortium.

In 2010, Dr. Perentesis was elected by pediatric oncologists from across the country to the national Executive Committee for the NCI-funded Children’s Oncology Group (COG). The COG is the world's largest, cooperative children's cancer research entity. He also is in leadership efforts in the COG for new therapies for leukemia, and adolescent and young adult cancers.

Dr. Perentesis has been elected by his peers for inclusion in the Best Doctors in America List from 1998 to 2016.

Education and Training

MD: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 1980.

Residency: University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 1983.

Fellowship: University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 1986.

Postdoctoral: University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 1986.

Certification: Pediatrics, 1989; Hematology/Oncology, 1990.

View PubMed Publications

Dorris K, Fouladi M, Davies SM, Perentesis JP, Lawrence JM, Chow LM, Assa'ad A, Uygungil B, Jodele S. . Severe Allergic Reactions to Thiol-based Cytoprotective Agents Mesna and Amifostine in a Child With a Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2011 Jun 3.

Davies SM, Perentesis JP. Tribute: the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO), 2011 Distinguished Career Award goes to Dr. William G. Woods. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2011 Jun;56(6):895-6.

Phillips CL, Gerbing R, Alonzo T, Perentesis JP, Harley IT, Meshinchi S, Bhatla D, Radloff G, Davies SM. MDM2 polymorphism increases susceptibility to childhood acute myeloid leukemia: a report from the Children's Oncology Group. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010 Aug;55(2):248-53.

Wagner LM, Perentesis JP, Reid JM, Ames MM, Safgren SL, Nelson MD Jr, Ingle AM, Blaney SM, Adamson PC. Phase I trial of two schedules of vincristine, oral irinotecan, and temozolomide (VOIT) for children with relapsed or refractory solid tumors: a Children's Oncology Group phase I consortium study. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010 Apr;54(4):538-45.

Mehta PA, Gerbing RB, Alonzo TA, Elliott JS, Zamzow TA, Combs M, Stover E, Ross JA, Perentesis JP, Meschinchi S, Lange BJ, Davies SM. FAS promoter polymorphism: outcome of childhood acute myeloid leukemia. A children's oncology group report. Clin Cancer Res. 2008 Dec 1;14(23):7896-9.

Bhatla D, Gerbing RB, Alonzo TA, Conner H, Ross JA, Meshinchi S, Zhai X, Zamzow T, Mehta PA, Geiger H, Perentesis J, Davies SM. Cytidine deaminase genotype and toxicity of cytosine arabinoside therapy in children with acute myeloid leukemia. Br J Haematol. 2009 Feb;144(3):388-94.

Geller JI, Wall D, Perentesis J, Blaney SM, Bernstein M; Pediatric Oncology Group study 9376. Phase I study of paclitaxel with standard dose ifosfamide in children with refractory solid tumors: a Pediatric Oncology Group study (POG 9376). Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2009 Mar;52(3):346-50.

Johansson G, Mahller YY, Collins MH, Kim MO, Nobukuni T, Perentesis J, Cripe TP, Lane HA, Kozma SC, Thomas G, Ratner N. Effective in vivo targeting of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Mol Cancer Ther. 2008 May;7(5):1237-45.

Bhatla D, Gerbing RB, Alonzo TA, Mehta PA, Deal K, Elliott J, Meshinchi S, Geiger H, Perentesis JP, Lange BJ, Davies SM; Children's Oncology Group. DNA repair polymorphisms and outcome of chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia: a report from the Children's Oncology Group. Leukemia. 2008 Feb;22(2):265-72.

Mo J, Lampkin B, Perentesis J, Poole L, Bao L. Translocation (8;18;16)(p11;q21;p13). A new variant of t(8;16)(p11;p13) in acute monoblastic leukemia: case report and review of the literature. Cancer Genet Cytogenet. 2006 Feb;165(1):75-8. Review.

A photo of Michael Absalon.

Michael J. Absalon, MD, PhD Director, Medical Education Program

Michael J. Absalon, MD, PhD, focuses on developing new therapies and combinations of therapies for pediatric leukemias and lymphomas. He is currently investigating the therapeutic potential of combining the new targeted drug sorafenib with conventional chemotherapy for relapsed AML.

513-517-2234 michael.absalon@cchmc.org

A photo of Erin H. Breese.

Erin H. Breese, MD, PhD Member, Division of Oncology

513-517-2234 erin.breese@cchmc.org

A photo of Karen Burns.

Karen C. Burns, MD, MS Co-Director, Comprehensive Fertility Care and Preservation Program

Karen C. Burns, MD, MS, conducts research on cancer survivorship and serious late effects of cancer treatment, including obesity, heart problems, fertility issues, increased risk of second cancers, and long-term outcomes of cancer survivors. She is also leading development of a fertility preservation program for children and adolescents undergoing chemotherapy as well as other unique medical and support services for adolescent and young adult cancer patients.

513-517-2234 karen.burns@cchmc.org

A photo of Lionel Chow.

Lionel M.L. Chow, MD, PhD Member, Division of Oncology

Lionel M.L. Chow, MD, PhD, studies high-grade gliomas, which are aggressive brain tumors in adults and children with limited treatment options. Using a combination of novel and robust laboratory models coupled with the study of human tumor material, the lab’s goals are to better understand the cellular origins and molecular underpinnings of these diseases in order to design and test novel therapies that will hopefully improve patient outcome.

513-803-1369 lionel.chow@cchmc.org

A photo of Lionel Chow.

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Lionel M.L. Chow, MD, PhD

Member, Division of Oncology

Academic Affiliations

Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Phone 513-803-1369

Fax 513-636-3549

Email lionel.chow@cchmc.org

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Clinical & Research Interests

Clinical

Pediatric neuro-oncology

Research

Mouse models for glioma; molecular profiling of tumor mutations; biomarkers of tumor progression; novel therapeutic agents for glioma

Lionel Chow, MD, PhD, received his medical and graduate degrees from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where his research focused on the regulation of T-lymphocyte signaling by the intracellular tyrosine protein kinases Lck and Csk.

Following his clinical training in pediatrics and pediatric hematology / oncology at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada, he moved to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., to pursue his research interests.

Chow's research interests have been centered on glioblastoma multiforme, a particularly devastating form of cancer in adults and children. His work has resulted in the development of a number of novel and robust laboratory models for this disease. Using these models and interfacing with clinical trials in the Neuro-Oncology Program as well as those from national consortia such as the Children's Oncology Group (COG) and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (PBTC), Chow’s laboratory will continue research in this area with the goals of better understanding the origins of this form of cancer and improving patient outcomes.

Education and Training

PhD: McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 1996.

MDCM: McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 1997.

Residency: The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, 1997-2000.

Clinical Fellowship: The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, 2000-2003.

Postdoctoral Fellowship: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 2003-2009.

Clinical Fellowship: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis TN, 2008-2009.

Certification: Pediatrics, 2000.

View PubMed Publications

A photo of Biplab DasGupta.

Biplab Dasgupta, PhD Member, Division of Oncology

Biplab Dasgupta, PhD, investigates the mechanisms of cancer development and progression. Using various state-of-the-art techniques and brain tumor as a model, his lab examines cancer stem cell metabolism, bioenergetics, signal transduction and the potential link between and cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors that influence cancer incidence and penetrance.
Visit the Dasgupta Lab.

513-803-1370 biplab.dasgupta@cchmc.org

A photo of Biplab DasGupta.

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Biplab Dasgupta, PhD

Member, Division of Oncology

Academic Affiliations

Associate Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Phone 513-803-1370

Email biplab.dasgupta@cchmc.org

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Research Interests

Metabolism; cancer development

Visit the Dasgupta Lab.

Biplab Dasgupta, PhD, did doctoral research in molecular biology and immunology at Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Calcutta, and postdoctoral research at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis. Dr. Dasgupta joined Cincinnati Children's in 2009 as a tenure track assistant professor of pediatrics within the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He rose through the ranks and is now a tenured associate professor of pediatrics. Broadly, he is interested in understanding the mechanisms of cancer development and progression. Using various state-of-the-art techniques and brain tumor as a model, his lab examines cancer stem cell metabolism, bioenergetics, signal transduction and the potential link between and cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors that influence cancer incidence and penetrance.

Education and Training

PhD: Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Calcutta, 2003.

Postdoctoral Fellowship: Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis.

View PubMed Publications

Regulation of Forebrain Neurogenesis by the Energy Sensor AMP Kinase. Principal Investigator. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). July 2012 – June 2017.

Biguanide Sensitivity of Glioma Stem Cells (NIH). Principal Investigator. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Jan 2017–Dec 2022.

Exploring passenger vulnerability in GBM. Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Pilot Innovation Award. Aug 2015–Jul 2016.

Development of a lead compound active against AMP Kinase to Glioblastoma. CCTST Translational Grant Award. Apr 2016-Mar 2017.

A photo of Peter de Blank.

Peter de Blank, MD, MSCE Member, Division of Oncology

513-517-2068 peter.deblank@cchmc.org

A photo of Peter de Blank.

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Peter de Blank, MD, MSCE

Member, Division of Oncology

Academic Affiliations

Associate Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Phone 513-517-2068

Email peter.deblank@cchmc.org

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Clinical & Research Interests

Clinical

Pediatric neuro-oncology; neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1); NF1-associated brain tumors

Research

Cancer imaging; diffusion tensor imaging; MR relaxometry; magnetic resonance fingerprinting; developmental therapeutics

Dr. de Blank graduated from the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine with a concentration in Medical Education. He completed his residency in Pediatrics, and fellowships in Pediatric Hematology & Oncology and Pediatric Neuro-Oncology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He completed a Masters of Science in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Pennsylvania during his fellowship training. After completing his training, he became a faculty member at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in Cleveland in 2012. In 2017, Dr. de Blank joined the faculty at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center as a member of the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology program.

Dr. de Blank’s clinical and research interests include children with central nervous system tumors, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), and NF1-related tumors. His research focuses on the investigation of tissue microstructure in pediatric brain tumors through non-invasive imaging techniques such as MR relaxometry and diffusion tensor imaging. The goal of his research is to develop early radiographic tumor biomarkers to characterize pediatric brain tumors and predict their functional consequences. Tumor imaging research may guide early intervention efforts and direct support for children with brain tumors in order to improve clinical outcomes in children with brain tumors.

Education and Training

BA: Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 1997.

BS: Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 1997.

MA: Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 1997.

MD: Emphasis in Medical Education, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, 2005.

MS: Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Philadelphia, PA, 2011.

Intern: Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 2005-2006.

Resident: Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 2006-2008.

Fellow: Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 2008-2011; Pediatric Neuro-Oncology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 2011-2012.

View PubMed Publications

Radiographic Biomarkers for Residual Disease in Pediatric Brain Tumors. Principal Investigator. St. Baldrick's Foundation Scholars Award. Jul 2014-Jun 2017.

Imaging Biomarkers of Neurofibromatosis Type 1-Associated Optic Pathway Gliomas. Principal Investigator. Neurofibromatosis therapeutic Acceleration Program, Francis S. Collins Scholar Award. Jul 2014-Jun 2020.

Radiographic Biomarkers and Functional Outcomes of Vision in Optic Pathway Gliomas. Principal Investigator. The Dana Foundation, David Mahoney Neuro-Imaging Program. Nov 2013-present.

A photo of Rachid Drissi.

Rachid Drissi, PhD Member, Division of Oncology

Rachid Drissi, PhD, studies replicative senescence or cellular aging, believed to be a tumor suppressor mechanism by which normal cells limit cell proliferation to prevent genome instability and cancer. The long-term goal of their research program is to examine telomere disruption signaling to DNA damage pathway and senescence. They are also developing a combination therapy that includes telomere disruption to improve the outcome for children with brain tumors.

513-803-0674 rachid.drissi@cchmc.org

A photo of Maryam Fouladi.

Maryam Fouladi, MD, MSc, FRCPC Medical Director, Brain Tumor Center

Maryam Fouladi, MD, MSc, FRCPC, serves as chair for the CNS Tumor New Agents/Relapse Committee for the Children’s Oncology Group, and as member of the steering committee for the COG CNS Tumor Committee and the Collaborative Ependymoma Research Network (CERN). She serves as local and national study chair for active open clinical trials that test new approaches to treat children with very poor prognosis tumors such as high-grade gliomas and diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas.

513-517-2234 maryam.fouladi@cchmc.org

A photo of Maryam Fouladi.

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Maryam Fouladi, MD, MSc, FRCPC

Medical Director, Brain Tumor Center

Marjory J. Johnson Chair, Brain Tumor Translational Research

Academic Affiliations

Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Phone 513-517-2234

Fax 513-636-3549

Email maryam.fouladi@cchmc.org

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Dr. Maryam Fouladi graduated from the University of Toronto School of Medicine and completed her pediatric residency and hematology/oncology fellowship training at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. Dr. Fouladi then completed her neuro-oncology fellowship training at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and later completed further training in the Molecular Pharmacology Department at St. Jude before becoming a neuro-oncology faculty member in 2000. She served as the chair of the Phase I Committee at St. Jude.

Dr. Fouladi moved to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in 2008 to become the medical director of the Neuro-Oncology Program. Dr. Fouladi is currently a full professor and the Marjory J. Johnson Endowed Chair in Brain Tumor Translational Research. Dr. Fouladi was elected chair of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (PBTC) from 2012-2016. She has chaired multiple national and institutional Phase I, II, and III clinical trials of new agents for central nervous system (CNS) malignancies through the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (PBTC), and local studies. In 2016, Dr. Fouladi became the Chair of the CNS Committee of the COG. Dr. Fouladi has extensive experience in the development and execution of trials, translational research and helping guide the agenda for pediatric neuro-oncology clinical trials nationally.

Education and Training

BS: Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, 1987.

MD: University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, 1991.

MSc: Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, 2002.

View PubMed Publications

A photo of James Geller.

James I. Geller, MD Medical Director, Kidney and Liver Tumors Program

James I. Geller, MD, focuses on children and young adults affected by solid tumors. Dr. Geller's expertise is recognized internationally, as witnessed by his appointments to the Children's Oncology Group (COG) Renal Tumor, Liver Tumor, Retinoblastoma and Central Nervous System (Brain Tumor) Committees. Dr. Geller directs and spearheads local and national studies in these areas, with an emphasis on novel therapeutics.

513-517-2234 james.geller@cchmc.org

A photo of James Geller.

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James I. Geller, MD

Medical Director, Kidney and Liver Tumors Program

Co-Medical Director, Retinoblastoma Program

Academic Affiliations

Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Phone 513-517-2234

Fax 513-636-3549

Email james.geller@cchmc.org

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Clinical & Research Interests

Clinical

Developmental therapeutics; renal / liver / retinoblastoma / neuro-oncology

Research

Elucidating ways to translate the use of biological response modifiers in combination with conventional chemotherapeutics

James I. Geller, MD, completed his undergraduate training at Dartmouth College, graduate medical training at the Sackler School of Medicine, residency training in pediatrics at New York Medical College and pediatric hematology / oncology training at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. His current appointment is with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center within the University of Cincinnati in the capacity of professor of pediatrics.

Dr. Geller's clinical and academic interests pertain to children and families affected by solid tumors, including brain tumors. Dr. Geller's expertise is recognized both nationally and internationally in the fields of retinoblastoma, renal tumors, liver tumors and brain tumors, as witnessed by his appointments to the Children's Oncology Group (COG) Rare / Retinoblastoma Committee as both a steering/voting member and as liaison to the COG Young Investigator Committee; the COG Renal Tumor Committee (RTC) as steering/voting member, RTC Sub-Committee chair of developmental therapeutics, and RTC liaison to both the COG Developmental Therapeutics Committee and the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program Guidance Committee; and to the Central Nervous System (Brain Tumor) Committee as a voting member. Dr. Geller has been an invited speaker at numerous national and international meetings and symposia and spearheads both local and national clinical research initiatives in these areas, with an emphasis on finding new treatment options.

Education and Training

MD: Sackler School of Medicine, 1997.

Residency: New York Medical College, 2000.

Fellowship: St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 2004.

Certification: Pediatrics, 2000, 2007; Pediatric Hematology / Oncology, 2005.

View PubMed Publications

D'Souza AM, Mark J, Demarcantonio M, Leino D, Sisson R, Geller JI. Pediatric laryngeal carcinoma in a heterozygous carrier of Fanconi anemia. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2017 Aug;64(8).

Sandberg JK, Mullen EA, Cajaiba MM, Smith EA, Servaes S, Perlman EJ, Geller JI, Ehrlich PF, Cost NG, Dome JS, Fernandez CV, Khanna G. Imaging of renal medullary carcinoma in children and young adults: a report from the Children's Oncology Group. Pediatr Radiol. 2017 Jul 8.

Streby KA, Geller JI, Currier MA, Warren PS, Racadio JM, Towbin AJ, Vaughan MR, Triplet M, Ott-Napier K, Dishman DJ, Backus LR, Stockman B, Brunner M, Simpson K, Spavin R, Conner J, Cripe TP. Intratumoral Injection of HSV1716, an Oncolytic Herpes Virus, Is Safe and Shows Evidence of Immune Response and Viral Replication in Young Cancer Patients. Clin Cancer Res. 2017 Jul 15;23(14):3566-3574.

Schaefer BA, Johnson TS, Hooper DK, Nathan JD, Geller JI. TFE3-Positive Renal Cell Carcinoma Occurring in Three Children with Dysfunctional Kidneys on Immunosuppression. Pediatr Transplant. 2017 Jun;21(4).

Geoerger B, Bourdeaut F, Dubois SG, Fischer M, Geller JI, Gottardo NG, Marabelle A, Pearson ADJ, Modak S, Cash T, Robinson GW, Motta M, Matano A, Bhansali SG, Dobson JR, Parasuraman S, Chi SN. A Phase 1 Study of the CDK4/6 Inhibitor Ribociclib (LEE011) in Pediatric Patients With Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor, Neuroblastoma, and Other Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res. 2017 May 15;23(10):2433-2441.

Geller JI, Perentesis JP, Ahern CH, Kudgus RA, Reid JM, Fox E, Blaney SM, Weigel BJ. A Phase 1 Study of the c-Met Inhibitor, Tivantinib (ARQ197, IND#112603) in Children with Relapsed or Refractory Solid Tumors: A Children’s Oncology Group Study. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2017 Apr 27.

Fernandez CV, Perlman EJ, Mullen EA, Chi YY, Hamilton TE, Gow KW, Ferrer FA, Barnhart DC, Ehrlich PF, Khanna G, Kalapurakal JA, Bocking T, Huff V, Tian J, Geller JI, Grundy PE, Anderson JR, Dome JS, Shamberger RC. Clinical Outcome and Biological Predictors of Relapse After Nephrectomy Only for Very Low-risk Wilms Tumor: A Report From Children's Oncology Group AREN0532. Ann Surg. 2017 Apr;265(4):835-840.

A photo of Adrienne M. Hammill.

Adrienne M. Hammill, MD, PhD Research Director, Hemangioma & Vascular Malformation Program

Adrienne M. Hammill, MD, PhD, conducts clinical research on hemangiomas and vascular malformations, focusing on development of new therapies for these conditions and new tools for assessing response to therapy, including novel imaging modalities.

513-517-2234 adrienne.hammill@cchmc.org

A photo of Adrienne M. Hammill.

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Adrienne M. Hammill, MD, PhD

Research Director, Hemangioma & Vascular Malformation Program

Academic Affiliations

Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Phone 513-517-2234

Fax 513-636-6612

Email adrienne.hammill@cchmc.org

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Clinical Interests

Hemangiomas and vascular malformations; genetic predispositions to cancer

Dr. Adrienne M. Hammill is trained in pediatrics and hematology/oncology and is particularly interested in bringing new and/or better medical therapy options to the treatment of vascular anomalies. She is one of the medical physicians for the Hemangioma and Vascular Malformations team. She obtained her schooling at the University of Texas Southwestern and completed her residency and fellowship here at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. She is a dedicated professional and strives to improve the treatment for her patients. Cincinnati Children’s has been named a site for the brain vascular malformations consortium, which is a clinical research group funded by National Institutes of Health and the rare disease network and more recently a SWF Center of Excellence. She has developed a broader interest in Brain Vascular Malformations, and now heads our HHT Center and participates in the Cerebrovascular Clinic housed in Neurosurgery as well.

Education and Training

MD: University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX, 2004.

PhD: University of Texas Southwestern Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Dallas, TX, 2004.

Residency: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH.

Fellowship: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Certifications: Pediatrics, 2008; Pediatric Hematology Oncology, 2011.

View PubMed Publications

A photo of Trent Hummel.

Trent R. Hummel, MD Member, Division of Oncology

Trent R. Hummel, MD, focuses on developing novel therapeutics to treat children with all central nervous system tumors including those with very poor prognosis tumors such as high-grade gliomas and diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas. Dr. Hummel is leading a national Phase 1 clinical trial investigating temozolomide in combination with vorinostat.

513-803-1140 trent.hummel@cchmc.org

A photo of Trent Hummel.

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Trent R. Hummel, MD

Member, Division of Oncology

Academic Affiliations

Associate Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Phone 513-803-1140

Fax 513-636-3549

Email trent.hummel@cchmc.org

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Neuro-oncology; CNS tumors in neurofibromatosis type 1 and 2 research interests: developing novel therapeutics in central nervous system tumors including those with very poor prognosis such as high-grade gliomas and diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas.

Trent R. Hummel, MD, completed his graduate medical training at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, residency training in pediatrics at Children's Hospital Medical Center of Akron and pediatric hematology/oncology training at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. His current appointment is at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center within the University of Cincinnati in the capacity of associate professor of pediatrics.

Dr. Hummel's clinical and academic interests pertain to children and families affected by central nervous system tumors. He is a member of the Central Nervous System (Brain Tumor) Committee in the Children's Oncology Group (COG) as well as the Cincinnati Children's co-principal investigator for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (PBTC). Dr. Hummel focuses on developing novel therapeutics to treat children with all central nervous system tumors including those patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 and 2 related CNS tumors and very poor prognosis tumors such as high-grade gliomas and diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas.

Education and Training

BS: Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisburg, VA, 1997.

MD: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 2001.

Residency: Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron, Akron, OH, 2004.

Fellowship: Pediatric Hematology / Oncology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 2007; Research Fellow, Division of Experimental Hematology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 2008.

Certification: American Board of Pediatrics, 2004; Pediatrics, 2004; Pediatric Hematology / Oncology, 2011.

View PubMed Publications

A photo of Jennifer Mangino.

Jennifer L. Mangino, MD Member, Division of Oncology

Jennifer L. Mangino, MD, has clinical and academic interests that pertain to children and young adults with leukemias and lymphomas, with a focus on clinical trials for patients with relapsed or refractory disease. She also has a special interest in adolescent and young adult oncology patients.

513-803-5259 jennifer.mangino2@cchmc.org

A photo of Jennifer Mangino.

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Jennifer L. Mangino, MD

Member, Division of Oncology

Academic Affiliations

Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Phone 513-803-5259

Fax 513-636-3549

Email jennifer.mangino2@cchmc.org

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Clinical & Research Interests

Clinical

Leukemia; lymphoma; adolescent and young adult oncology patients.

Research

Novel therapies for children with relapsed or refractory leukemia and lymphoma.

Dr. Mangino earned her undergraduate degree in biochemistry and her medical degree from The Ohio State University, completed her residency in pediatrics at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, and her fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She was awarded a National Cancer Center grant (2011-2013) for her post-fellowship research.

Education and Training

MD: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 2004.

Residency: Pediatrics, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, 2007.

Fellowship: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 2011.

Certification: Pediatrics, 2007; Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, 2013.

View PubMed Publications

A photo of Benjamin Mizukawa.

Benjamin E. Mizukawa, MD St. Baldrick’s Foundation Scholar

Benjamin E. Mizukawa, MD, is trained in pediatric hematology/oncology with a research emphasis in leukemia biology and novel therapeutics. His work is focused on understanding the role of small Rho GTPases in myeloid leukemia development and progression, with the translational goal of identifying new targets for drug development.

513-636-1335 benjamin.mizukawa@cchmc.org

A photo of Rajaram Nagarajan.

Rajaram Nagarajan, MD, MS Clinical Director, Division of Oncology

Rajaram Nagarajan, MD, MS, focuses on quality of life and outcomes following cancer therapy. His large collaborative studies involve the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), the Children's Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) and National Children’s Hospital and Related Institutions (NACHRI) initiative. Dr. Nagarajan co-directs the Long-Term Follow-up Program which follows over 1,400 survivors, a unique program that follows “children” who are now well into adulthood.

513-636-0670 rajaram.nagarajan@cchmc.org

A photo of Robin Norris.

Robin Norris, MD, MS, MPH Member, Division of Oncology

513-517-2067 robin.norris@cchmc.org

A photo of Maureen O'Brien.

Maureen M. O'Brien, MD, MS Medical Director, Leukemia/Lymphoma Program

Maureen M. O'Brien, MD, MS, is a clinical researcher developing new therapies for children, adolescents, and young adults with leukemia and lymphoma including combination of the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus with chemotherapy for patients with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Her other research interests include improvements in the supportive care of patients with cancer, with a focus on identification of genetic risk factors and biomarkers for chemotherapy-related toxicity and infectious complications.

513-803-1678 maureen.obrien@cchmc.org

A photo of Christine Phillips.

Christine L. Phillips, MD Member, Division of Oncology

Christine L. Phillips, MD, is a clinical oncologist with a clinical and translational research focus on the development of novel therapies for pediatric leukemia and in leukemia pharmacogenetics. Recent work has involved examining common genetic polymorphisms and their contribution to efficacy of therapy and risk for side effects in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

513-803-3216 christine.phillips@cchmc.org

A photo of Christine Phillips.

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Christine L. Phillips, MD

Member, Division of Oncology

Academic Affiliations

Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Phone 513-803-3216

Fax 513-636-3549

Email christine.phillips@cchmc.org

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Leukemia and lymphoma; leukemia pharmacogenetics; translational and clinical development of new drugs for high-risk and relapsed leukemias

Christine Phillips, MD, is an oncologist with a clinical focus on leukemia and lymphoma and a clinical and translational research focus on the development of novel therapies for pediatric leukemia and in leukemia pharmacogenetics.

Dr. Phillips earned her undergraduate degree in biochemistry and her medical degree from Indiana University, completed her residency in pediatrics at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, and her fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology at Cincinnati Children’s, where she was co-chief fellow. She was a 2008 Hyundai Hope on Wheels Foundation Scholar.

Education and Training

MD: Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 2002.

Residency: Pediatrics, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, 2005.

Fellowship: Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 2010.

Certification: Pediatrics, 2005; Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, 2011.

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Dixon S, Lane A, O’Brien MO, Burns KC, Mangino JL, Breese EH,Absalon M, Perentesis JP, Phillips CL. Viral surveillance using PCR during treatment of AML and ALL. Pediatric Blood and Cancer. 2017.

Fouladi M, Perentesis JP, Phillips CL, Leary S, Reid JM, McGovern, R, Ingle AM, Ahern CH, Ames MM, Houghton P, Doyle LA, Weigel B, Blaney SM. A phase I trial of MK-2206 in children with refractory malignancies: A Children’s Oncology Group Study. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2014 Jul;61(7):1246-51.

Phillips CL, Davies SM, McMasters R, Absalon M, O’Brien M, Mo J, Broun R, Moscow JA, Smolarek T, Garzon R, Blum W, Schwind, Marcucci G, Perentesis JP. Low dose decitabine in very high risk relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia in children and young adults. British Journal of Haematology. 2013;161(3):406-10.

Phillips CL, Miles L, Jones BV, Sutton M, Crone K, Fouladi M. Medulloblastoma with melanotic differentiation: Case report and review of the literature. J Neurooncol. 2011 Jul;103(3):759-64.

Phillips CL, Gerbing R, Alonzo T, Perentesis JP, Harley ITW, Meshinchi S, Bhatla D, Radloff G, Davies SM. MDM2 polymorphism increases susceptibility to childhood acute myeloid leukemia. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010 Aug;55(2):248-53.

A photo of Joseph G. Pressey.

Joseph G. Pressey, MD Director, Sarcoma Program

513-636-0670 joseph.pressey@cchmc.org

A photo of Joseph G. Pressey.

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Joseph G. Pressey, MD

Director, Sarcoma Program

Program Leader, Young Adult Oncology Center

Academic Affiliations

Associate Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Phone 513-636-0670

Fax 513-636-3549

Email joseph.pressey@cchmc.org

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Clinical & Research Interests

Clinical

Musculoskeletal tumors including rhabdomyosarcoma and other soft-tissue sarcomas; Ewing sarcoma; osteosarcoma; pediatric solid tumors; rare tumors including small cell carcinoma of the ovary.

Research

The development of novel therapies for pediatric sarcomas and rare tumors.

Dr. Pressey graduated from the University of Georgia and the Medical College of Georgia before pursuing pediatrics residency training at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. He trained in pediatric hematology-oncology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where he developed a keen interest in pediatric sarcomas. He spent 11 years at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Alabama where he functioned as the principal investigator (PI) for the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) phase 1 and Pilot Consortium and the Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration (SARC).

Dr. Pressey joined the Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute at Cincinnati Children’s to direct the Sarcoma Program. He is appointed clinical associate professor at the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine and functions as the Cincinnati Children’s Institutional PI for SARC. Dr. Pressey’s research is focused on the development of novel therapies for high-risk and recurrent/refractory solid tumors. Accordingly, he is developing a phase I trial for the COG phase I consortium and bench to bedside investigator initiated trials in collaboration with other investigators nationally.

Education and Training

MD: Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 1995.

Residency: Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 1998.

Fellowship: Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 2001.

Certification: Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, 2002.

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Lisa M. Privette Vinnedge, PhD Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs

Lisa M. Privette Vinnedge, PhD, investigates the transcriptional regulation of cancer-associated genes and the downstream effects on signaling pathways and cell behaviors in breast cancer. The goal of her research is to understand the molecular drivers of breast cancer initiation and progression in order to improve treatment outcomes. She also conducts pre-clinical studies to both identify new cancer biomarkers and test novel therapeutics.
Visit the Privette Vinnedge Lab.

513-636-1155 lisa.privette@cchmc.org

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William L. Seibel, PhD Member, Division of Oncology

William L. Seibel, PhD, is a synthetic medicinal chemist with over 20 years of industrial and academic experience in the discovery of biologically active molecules and optimization toward human clinical trials. His lab provides advice in lead discovery, hit-to-lead and lead optimization approaches, including medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry and screening.

513-803-4870 william.seibel@cchmc.org

A photo of William Seibel.

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William L. Seibel, PhD

Member, Division of Oncology

Academic Affiliations

Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Phone 513-803-4870

Fax 513-636-3549

Email william.seibel@cchmc.org

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Small molecule drug discovery

William Seibel, PhD, completed his doctorate in chemistry at Harvard University. He then worked for 19 years in various positions at Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, managing migraine and antimicrobials drug discovery groups as well as technology groups in computational, modeling, structural biology and combinatorial chemistry. He then served as head of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine’s Compound Library and Cheminformatics group and as project manager for the Drug Discovery Center, both of which continue through his Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center appointment. His interests are in working with various collaborators to find the most efficient and effective approaches to identify biologically active small molecules, and advance these leads to clinical candidate status.

Education and Training

PhD: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 1987.

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Brian K. Turpin, DO Member, Division of Oncology

513-517-2234 brian.turpin@cchmc.org

A photo of Brian Weiss.

Brian D. Weiss, MD Director, Neuroblastoma Program

Brian D. Weiss, MD, focuses on new approaches to treat high-risk neuroblastoma, including novel ways to use 131I-MIBG therapy, and on targeted agents for neurofibromatosis type 1-related tumors and malignancies. In addition, he is researching methods and processes to ensure error-free delivery of therapy.

513-636-9863 brian.weiss@cchmc.org

A photo of Brian Weiss.

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Brian D. Weiss, MD

Director, Neuroblastoma Program

Associate Director, Oncology Clinical Research

Associate Director, Safety and Compliance

Academic Affiliations

Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Phone 513-636-9863

Fax 513-636-3549

Email brian.weiss@cchmc.org

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Clinical Interests

Targeted agents for neurofibromatosis type 1-related plexiform neurofibromas and other solid tumors; new therapies for high-risk neuroblastoma, including 131I-MIBG treatment and other new approaches to targeting and killing neuroblastoma cells.

Brian Weiss is a professor of Clinical Pediatrics in the Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. There, he specializes in benign tumors in patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), and directs the Neuroblastoma Program, in addition to serving as associate director of clinical research for Oncology, and associate director for Safety and Compliance. Dr. Weiss has spearheaded efforts to reduce chemotherapy errors and leads national trials in high risk neuroblastoma, targeted radiotherapy, and targeted drugs for NF1 associated plexiform neurofibromas.

Education and Training

MD: Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL, 1993.

Residency and Chief Residency: Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 1993-1997.

Fellowship: Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 1997-2000.

Certification: National Medical Board; Pediatrics;1996, 2002; Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, 2000, 2007.

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Susanne Wells, PhD Director, Epithelial Carcinogenesis and Stem Cell Program

Susanne Wells, PhD, focuses on new targets of the HPV E6/E7 oncogenes, and characterizing these as potential risk factors for HPV infection and transformation. Research approaches include bioinformatics; analyses of primary, transformed and 3D cell culture systems; and mouse tumor models to facilitate translational endeavors.
Visit the Wells Lab.

513-636-5986 susanne.wells@cchmc.org

A photo of Susanne Wells.

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Susanne Wells, PhD

Director, Epithelial Carcinogenesis and Stem Cell Program

Academic Affiliations

Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Phone 513-636-5986

Fax 513-636-3549

Email susanne.wells@cchmc.org

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Squamous cell carcinoma; mechanisms by which the HPV oncogenes subvert the host cell machinery to promote abnormal cell growth and cancer; role of specific cellular HPV targets in viral replication and cellular transformation

Visit the Wells Lab.

Susanne Wells graduated from the University of Konstanz, Germany, with a degree in biology. She completed her PhD in molecular biology at the State University of Stony Brook, NY, and her postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School, MA. Dr. Wells moved to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in 2002 to study human papillomavirus infection and associated carcinogenesis.

Education and Training

BS: Biology, University of Konstanz, Germany, 1992.

PhD: Molecular Genetics, State University of Stony Brook, NY, 1997.

Postdoctoral Fellowship: Molecular Virology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.

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Role and regulation of the human DEK proto-oncogene. Principal Investigator. National Institutes of Health. 2012-2017. 2R01 CA116316.

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