Assistant Member

M.D., University of Helsinki, Finland

Ph.D., University of Helsinki, Finland

Cancer cells within tumors assume distinct identities, forming diverse cellular societies. Despite this diversity, the current paradigm is to treat tumors with homogeneous cancer therapy regimens. This thinking persists despite strong evidence from preclinical models and human patients that tumors are heterogeneous and, therefore, cellular identities capable of withstanding and adapting to therapies invariably exist. The Tammela Lab seeks to understand how cancer cells acquire the ability to transition between these identities and promote intra-tumoral heterogeneity. To do this, we will use a series of innovative approaches and models of human cancer. Our hope is that these efforts will lead to conceptually new types of cancer therapies to prevent cancer cells from transitioning to treatment-resistant states.