Phuoc Tran

My laboratory investigates the molecular and cellular pathways that drive the development, progression, and treatment response of prostate, lung, and liver cancers, with a particular emphasis on epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity and radiobiology. A major focus is understanding transitions between epithelial and mesenchymal states, including epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and how these programs influence tumorigenesis, metastasis, treatment resistance, and radiation-induced fibrosis. We study these questions using a multidisciplinary toolkit that includes inducible transgenic oncogene mouse models, non-invasive rodent imaging, functional genomics, and molecular and cell biology approaches. Our inducible models allow us to simulate targeted therapies and interrogate concepts such as oncogene addiction, enabling mechanistic studies of tumor maintenance and regression. In parallel, the lab develops and tests novel targeted agents and tumor-selective radiosensitizers aimed at improving the therapeutic ratio of radiation therapy and advancing precision oncology.