Stephanie Gomez, Ph.D.

Tổng quan nghiên cứu

The immune system constantly patrols the body, searching for abnormal cells that could become cancerous. However, some cancers develop ways to hide from immune cells or weaken the body’s natural defenses. Understanding these early interactions between cancer and the immune system may reveal opportunities to detect disease sooner and develop more effective treatments.

My research focuses on a group of immune cells called T cells, which play a critical role in recognizing and eliminating cancer cells. Using advanced genomic and immune-monitoring technologies, my project studies how T cells change as cancer develops and progresses. By identifying patterns that distinguish healthy immune responses from ineffective ones, we hope to discover biological signals, called biomarkers, that can help doctors detect cancer earlier and better predict how patients will respond to treatment.

Ultimately, this work aims to improve our understanding of the immune system’s role in cancer development and provide a foundation for new strategies that strengthen the body’s natural defenses against cancer. The knowledge gained from this research could help guide future approaches to cancer prevention, early detection and personalized treatment, bringing us closer to a future where more cancers can be identified and treated before they become life-threatening.

My “Why”

My passion for cancer research is deeply personal. In 2020, I lost my uncle to glioblastoma. Just five years later, I also lost my aunt to a cancer that had spread to her brain. Watching their rapid decline showed me firsthand how devastating these diseases can be for patients and their families. As a volunteer on an oncology floor and through conversations with patient advocates, I have seen the tremendous challenges people face throughout their cancer journey. Those experiences inspire me to develop better treatments and, ultimately, prevent cancer recurrence so that fewer families endure these losses.

Tại sao vấn đề tài trợ

Funding from the Prevent Cancer Foundation will allow me to investigate how early changes in the immune system may signal the development of cancer and identify opportunities for intervention before disease progresses. This support will help generate critical data, expand access to advanced technologies and accelerate discoveries that could improve patient care. Beyond advancing science, the award provides valuable support for my development as an independent researcher dedicated to translating laboratory findings into meaningful benefits for patients and their loved ones.