Summary of Research Program

Our group focuses on understanding mechanisms of therapeutic resistance in gynecologic malignancies and the practical development of novel treatment strategies.

We are particularly interested in resistance to microtubule-stabilizing agents, inflammation, and the unique contributions of tumor microenvironment afforded by ascites, a hallmark of advanced peritoneal cancers, to the processes of invasion and metastases.

We actively participate in clinical trials, and our overarching goal is translating basic science to the bedside.  

Research Interests

• Understanding mechanisms of taxane resistance and influence of the ascites micro- and mechno-environment.
• Uncovering the role of inflammation in oncogenesis and gynecologic pathology.

Meet Our Team

Dana M. Roque, MD
Associate Professor,
Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
droque@som.umaryland.edu

Gautam G. Rao, MD
Associate Professor,
Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
grao@upi.umaryland.edu 

Fuhua Xu, PhD
Assistant Professor,
Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
fxu@som.umaryland.edu