Session Abstract – PMWC 2018 Silicon Valley
Session Synopsis: Understanding the influence of the tumor microenvironment on cancer behavior and response to treatment is now considered a very important component of targeted treatment. This session will focus on the microenvironment, its complex role in cancer, our ability to modulate it, and discuss existing and potential strategies aimed at targeting both cellular and molecular tumor microenvironment components.
Speaker Profile
M.D., MMSc, Associate Professor of Genomic Medicine and Surgical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Biography
Dr. Wargo’s career commitment has always been to advance the understanding and treatment of disease through science. Dr. Wargo began her academic career at Harvard University where she practiced as a physician scientist studying the interface between oncogenic mutations and anti-tumor immunity. Dr. Wargo was recruited to MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2013 to help lead their world-renowned Moon Shot program and to continue her critical work as a translational investigator. Since joining MD Anderson, Dr. Wargo has made major contributions in better understanding responses to cancer therapy and has also helped to develop novel strategies to combat therapeutic resistance (including via modulation of the host microbiome). Dr. Wargo is a lead investigator on several high priority cancer trials, and also serves on numerous advisory boards and speakers panels. She is innovative in her approach, and aims to work with others worldwide to improve outcomes for patients with cancer.
Speaker Profile
Ph.D., Vice President, R&D Clinical Sequencing Division, Thermo Fisher Scientific
Biography
In this role, Dr. Godsey is responsible for driving development of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s next generation of life science, transitional medicine and IVD products, including establishing a best in class companion Dx program as the centerpiece for CSDs Oncology Portfolio. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President of Product and Technology Development at Roche Tissue Diagnostics/Ventana Diagnostics, where he was responsible for leading the technology strategy, product development and on-market support. In this role, Dr. Godsey, built Ventana’s CDx program supporting Genentech, as well as external pharma partners such as Pfizer. Prior to Roche, Dr. Godsey led R&D Teams at Digene, Veridex, Gen-Probe and Dade-Behring. Dr. Godsey has had the privilege of launching a number of molecular Dx industry firsts, including the first FDA approved auto matched, molecular Dx asseys for blood screening, STD Screening and CTCs. Dr. Godsey also brings general management experience to any new challenge he takes on. He holds a Ph.D. in biology from St. John’s University.
