Investigating Immunotherapy Treatments in Breast Cancer Liver Metastases
This GRASP Huddle will focus on emerging research aimed at improving treatment options for breast cancer liver metastases. Dr. Michelle Williams, Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, will lead the discussion on how her lab is investigating immunotherapy treatments for breast cancer liver metastasis. Her team integrates insights from patient samples and preclinical models to better understand the immune environment of liver metastases and identify new therapeutic approaches.
The Williams Lab is looking to build lasting relationships with patient advocates, and this Huddle also offers an opportunity to connect and explore ways to stay involved in their research.
Speaker
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Michelle M. Williams, Ph.D.Assistant Professor Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology University of PittsburghDr. Williams’ love for science began as a high school student in the Pittsburgh area when she participated in the University of Pittsburgh Phagehunting Program organized by the lab of Dr. Graham Hatfull. Williams continued to pursue research opportunities during her undergraduate career at Allegheny College that cultivated a passion for cancer research and honed her overall career goal to reduce cancer mortalities by better understanding the mechanisms supporting therapy resistance and metastasis. Dr. Williams completed her Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University (VU) in the lab of Dr. Rebecca Cook. Her postdoctoral projects conducted in the lab of Dr. Jennifer Richer at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU AMC) melded her previous expertise in breast cancer biology with tumor immunology by testing the effects of metastatic breast cancer cells on immune suppression via secreted factors, focusing on cytokines and metabolites. This work laid the foundation for the current research projects in the lab that are assessing the impact of tumor cell signaling and metabolism on the microenvironment of breast cancer liver metastasis.
Throughout her scientific journey, Dr. Williams also dedicated her time to mentorship and leadership activities. As a postdoc, she cultivated working relationships with clinicians and patient advocates who have strongly influenced the goals of her research program.
