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Clinical trials of new surgical technology and treatments combining surgery in new ways with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and biologic treatments are ongoing in the Department. Treatment advances in thoracic cancers including lung, esophagus and lung metastases have been slow to develop even though these cancers are among the most common clinical problems. This clinical and laboratory research is vital to making progress. Research in the area of gene therapy has now advanced to clinical trials. It is a goal of researchers in the Department to acquire a basic understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to the development and progression of lung cancer and apply these findings to further the development of gene-based prevention and treatment strategies. Investigation is under way into identifying the genetic events responsible for cancer development, delivering therapeutic genes to cancer cells, and developing new combined treatment approaches - all in an effort to reduce the extent of surgery needed and improve successes. The research program in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery emphasizes two major areas:
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