Research & Publications - Current Research
Skin Cancer
The incidence of skin cancer has been increasing, and younger and younger
people are now developing these malignant tumors. Our dermatologic surgeons, Elizabeth
M. Billingsley, M.D. and Christie
T. Ammirati, M.D. are kept busy in removing these tumors but are
also interested in developing ways of identifying the aggressive or high-risk
tumors.
Dr. Billingsley's research interests include evaluate the size, location, and growth
characteristics of malignant tumors to try to more fully understand the
malignant behavior of these growths. Some of the studies underway involve
investigation of tumor cells in the laboratory of
Klaus F.
Helm, M.D., our dermatopathologist.
Other studies involve evaluation and close follow-up of treated patients. Dr.
Billingsley is also conducting ongoing studies on how to improve outpatient
surgery. These studies are evaluating bleeding complications and ways to prevent
them.
Dr. Ammirati's research involves methods of diagnosing skin cancers that can
be difficult to see with the naked eye. She is currently working with engineers
to develop a device, which can look at a suspicious skin lesion in microscopic
detail without undergoing a biopsy. This device would produce images of the
lesion similar to an ultrasound but with better clarity and resolution. She is
also interested in studying genetic syndromes, which may predispose an
individual to develop multiple skin cancers such as basal cell nevus syndrome
and xeroderma pigmentosum.
Gavin P. Robertson, Ph.D. research program focuses on the study of the most
deadly form of skin cancer known as malignant melanoma. The goal of his research
is to unravel the biology and signaling pathways involved in melanoma tumor
development. More recent projects have involved studies of the cancer suppressor
gene called PTEN and the oncogenes known as Akt3 and BRAF. Knowledge obtained
from these studies is being used to develop therapies for patients suffering
from this disease.
If you would like to have more information about our research programs,
funding, or volunteering for a study, please feel free to contact one of our
Clinical Trials Coordinators, Silvia Gosik, L.P.N., CCRC or Amy
Longenecker, L.P.N., CCRC at (717)
531-5136.
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