The Paul Romesser Lab

Research of the Paul Romesser Laboratory focuses on three main concepts. First is the characterization of the processes of senescence. This includes senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) induction and tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling in response to radiation. Similarly, we seek to investigate pathways responsible for the anti-tumor immunomodulatory effects seen with radiation induced senescence. Harmonizing these together, we work to exploit senescence therapeutically to push the body’s immune response towards tumor rejection. As a radiation oncologist, the research we perform represents translational work that will improve therapeutic options for patients with colorectal cancer. Our close collaboration with surgical oncologist J. Joshua Smith, Chief of Colorectal Service Julio Garcia-Aguilar, and Chair of Radiation Oncology Simon Powell, has allowed us to develop various clinical trials that parallel the laboratory research we perform. This scientific inquiry is supported using our rectal cancer organoid models that recapitulate the myriad physiological characteristics of this disease. In doing so, this allows us to better understand the mechanisms by which radiation response in colorectal cancer occurs in immunocompromised and immunocompetent settings.