Ian works as a cancer researcher in the Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina. As one of the National Cancer Institute’s designated cancer centers, Hollings drives the development of the next generation of immunotherapies and precision medicines, leveraging genetic sequencing and molecular diagnostics to tailor each patient’s treatment to their needs.
Since my parents’ own cancer diagnoses, cancer therapies have progressed by leaps and bounds. More parents are getting the opportunity to watch their children grow.
Ian’s research focuses on the design of therapeutics for HPV-driven cancers, such as cervical and head and neck cancers. His lab is developing vectored gene therapy for targeted delivery to HPV-infected cells. This would provide a noninvasive treatment option that patients could receive in an outpatient setting.
Ian was driven to become a cancer researcher in part because of his parents’ battles with cancer. Both of his parents survived their battles with cancer as a direct result of what was, at the time, revolutionary research and the funding of cancer centers.
As his family gathers this year to welcome the fourth grandchild into the world, he has reflected on what research has given his family. Ian knows it is critical that we continue investing in research so that every family can have this chance.