Nyall R. London Jr., M.D., Ph.D., Otolaryngology Surgeon-Scientist
Research Statement
Our laboratory, which is part of the NIDCD Otolaryngology Surgeon-Scientist Program (OSSP), is focused on understanding how and why malignant tumors develop in the nasal cavity, sinuses, and base of the skull. We seek to translate these results into better therapies. We are particularly interested in a type of malignancy called olfactory neuroblastoma (also known as esthesioneuroblastoma), which researchers think arises from the olfactory epithelium, the area of the nose important for the sense of smell.
The goals of the Sinonasal and Skull Base Tumor Program are to 1) understand the impact that standard surgical, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments have on the sense of smell, 2) identify critical genes that drive tumor development, and determine their mechanism of action, and 3) assess the potential of these genes as therapeutic targets.
Our laboratory utilizes a variety of in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches and immunotherapeutic and other treatment platforms to achieve these goals. We are actively developing a series of clinical trials to improve treatment effectiveness and survival in patients with sinonasal and skull base cancers.