Dr. Birnbaum is a medical oncologist focused on lung and head and neck cancers, including combined modality treatment and end-of-life care. He is an active member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and participates in the Brown University Oncology Group.

Dr. Azzoli is a medical oncologist specializing in lung cancer, mesothelioma, and thymoma. He directs the Thoracic Oncology program at Lifespan Cancer Institute. His research focuses on early-phase clinical trials, particularly therapies aimed at overcoming resistance to anti-PD1 immune checkpoint blockade, and developing blood tests to detect T-cell–mediated anti-cancer immune activity.

Dr. Abbas directs the Pulmonary and Esophageal Surgery Programs at Lifespan Health System. He is a leader in robotic thoracic surgery, outcomes research in thoracic oncology, and tumor organoid research. He has trained hundreds of surgeons and contributed extensively to the literature in thoracic oncology.

Translational Research Disease Groups (TRDGs) provide a regular forum for advancing translational cancer research and fostering collaboration across disciplines. Eight TRDGs have been established at the Legorreta Cancer Center, each organized around a specific cancer type.

The Thoracic, Head & Neck Cancer TRDG brings together a multidisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians, including experts in:

• Hematology/oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology
• Pathology, cancer biology, genetics, population science, biostatistics, and bioinformatics
• Fellows, residents, and student trainees

Our meetings create opportunities to:

• Develop and prioritize new translational research directions
• Share resources and expertise across Brown and affiliated hospitals
• Launch collaborations that can lead to pilot funding, extramural grant applications, and publications in high-impact journals
• Advance investigator-initiated clinical trials and translational protocols

TRDGs meet every 2–3 months, typically at the Brown University Molecular Medicine Building (70 Ship Street) or at an affiliated hospital site. Meetings feature a mix of roundtable discussions and designated speakers, with ample time for feedback and collaborative planning. Minutes are shared internally with group members.

Membership is open and evolving. We welcome faculty, fellows, residents, and students with an interest in translational breast cancer research to join our efforts.

• Review ongoing translational research and investigator-initiated trials
• Identify collaboration opportunities based on current science and feasibility
• Discuss biomarkers, tumor signaling pathways, and drug development strategies
• Exchange information on funding opportunities (e.g., P01s, SPOREs, or other translational grants)
• Highlight progress through focused presentations by investigators or subgroups
• Leverage institutional resources (genomics, tissue banks, clinical trial infrastructure, tumor boards)
• Engage trainees and early-career researchers in translational projects
• Form working groups to advance projects toward new protocols, grant submissions, and publications

Contact

For more information or to join the Thoracic, Head & Neck Cancer TRDG, please contact Attila Seyhan, PhD.