Research Projects & Grants

Federal

  • To evaluate the preliminary efficacy of our adapted digitally enhanced CHW-led intervention in newly diagnosed PDAC with a pilot randomized controlled trial of 60 PDAC patients and their caregivers comparing the intervention to usual care., Role: Investigator, U.S. Department of Defense, (08/2025) Status: Approved
  • To test the feasibility of a digitally enhanced CHW-led intervention focusing on patient and caregiver education, clarifying patient and caregiver goals, advanced care planning, and early palliative care engagement in a pilot study of Hispanic patients with PDAC, Role: Investigator, U.S. Department of Defense, (12/2024) Status: Approved

Internal

  • Social determinants of health associated with poor oncologic outcomes in Latino and Black patients with hepatobiliary malignancies, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Surgery, (10/2024) Status: Approved
  • Investigator Initiated: A phase II trial of preoperative chemotherapy (with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel) and stereotactic body radiotherapy followed by surgery and chemotherapy in patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Surgery, (09/2025 - 09/2026) Status: Approved
  • Association of social determinants of health with completion rates of total neoadjuvant therapy in patients with rectal cancer, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Surgery, (12/2024) Status: Approved
  • Evaluating immunotherapy effectiveness and therapeutic response in solid organ malignancies after appendectomy or splenectomy surgeries, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Surgery, (03/2025) Status: Approved
  • Assessing the relationship between distinct molecular profiles of solid organ tumors from under-represented communities and therapeutic response, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Surgery, (03/2025) Status: Approved
  • A Single Institution Analysis of Social Vulnerability and Trends and Outcomes status-post Whipple, Role: Investigator, LLU Dept. of Surgery, (03/2025) Status: Approved
  • Risk Factors and SDOH Associated with Financial Toxicity in Patients with Solid Tumor Cancers: A Comprehensive Evaluation, Role: PI, LLU Cancer Center, (07/2026 - 07/2027) Status: Approved
  • LLU Cancer Center biospecimen laboratory - specimens collection protocol, Role: Investigator, LLU Cancer Center, (09/2025 - 09/2026) Status: Approved
  • Circulating Tumor DNA as a Predictor of Recurrence in Resected Stage II-III Colon Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Surgery, (02/2026) Status: Approved
  • Effect of Hospital Type and Volume on Spinal Osteosarcoma and Other Rare Tumor Outcomes, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Surgery, (07/2025) Status: Approved
  • Outcomes Following Emergency Department Diagnosis of Cancer, Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Surgery, (07/2025) Status: Approved