Skip to main content

Thoracic Oncology Research Group

Two doctors in button-down shirts open at the collar & stethoscopes around their necks pose in a clinic hall

The Thoracic Oncology Research Group in the MUSC Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine advances innovative research across the spectrum of lung cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. As part of MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, South Carolina's only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Center, our investigators translate scientific discoveries into improved patient care through clinical trials, translational research, and population health initiatives.

Led by Gerard Silvestri, M.D., the Thoracic Oncology Research Group is recognized for its leadership in thoracic oncology research and its multidisciplinary approach to addressing some of the most pressing challenges in lung cancer. The program collaborates with clinicians, scientists, trainees, and research professionals across South Carolina to conduct studies that improve outcomes for patients and communities.

With dedicated research staff serving patients and research participants in Charleston, Florence, Marion, Lancaster, Chester, Columbia, and Kershaw, the program supports research that reflects the diverse populations and healthcare settings across the state. This statewide network provides opportunities to conduct impactful clinical, translational, and implementation research while expanding access to innovative therapies and clinical trials.

Research areas include:

  • Lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
  • Lung cancer screening and implementation science
  • Biomarker discovery and validation for early cancer detection
  • Multi-cancer early detection test development
  • Novel device evaluation and clinical innovation
  • Cancer health disparities and equitable access to care
  • Clinical trials evaluating emerging therapies and diagnostic approaches

The Thoracic Oncology Research Group offers a collaborative academic environment that supports discovery, mentorship, and interdisciplinary research. Residents, fellows, medical students, faculty, and research collaborators have opportunities to engage in projects that advance the science of thoracic oncology and improve cancer care for patients throughout South Carolina and beyond.

To learn more about the MUSC Thoracic Oncology Research Group or available research opportunities, please contact Mike Balassone, Program Manager, at 843-792-6696 or balassom@musc.edu. 

 

Thoracic Oncology Investigators

Adam Fox, MD, Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine wearing a white coat

Adam Fox, M.D., MSCR

Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy & Sleep Medicine
View Faculty Profile open_in_new View Provider Profile open_in_new View Research Profile open_in_new

I am a pulmonologist and clinician scientist with a research focus in health services research for patients with lung cancer at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). My long-term research goal is to improve care delivery for patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer, especially as it relates to precision medicine therapies. My clinical time is spent evaluating patients suspected to have lung cancer in a multi-disciplinary thoracic oncology clinic, performing bronchoscopy for diagnostic or staging purposes, and collaborating on cases through our multi-disciplinary thoracic tumor board. Biomarker testing performed on patient's lung cancer tissue continues to grow in importance in driving precision medicine treatment decisions, especially as new therapies and indications emerge for both targeted and immune therapies.

I witness, first-hand, many issues surrounding obtaining tissue and accomplishing biomarker testing for patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer. These issues span the spectrum from obtaining enough tissue for testing, choosing which assays to use to perform testing, coordination across sub-specialties, gaps in knowledge and values by physicians to perform testing, and navigating these issues to achieve timely and comprehensive results. Motivated by the needs of patients, I became interested in the responsibility of pulmonologists and other sub-specialists to achieve timely and comprehensive biomarker testing for patients with lung cancer.

I serve as co-principal investigator on a grant from the American Cancer Society (ACS) to assess biomarker testing and treatment patterns in nationally representative databases. I am the co-lead faculty for the ACS Extension for Community Health Outcomes (ECHO) for biomarker testing in South Carolina, and I am a member of the ACS National Lung Cancer Roundtable (NLCRT) Triage for Appropriate Treatment Task Group.

Christopher Gilbert,  D.O.

View Faculty Profile open_in_new View Provider Profile open_in_new

Co-investigator;
MUSC Director of Bronchoscopy and Interventional Pulmonology

Gerard A. Silvestri, M.D., MS

Senior Vice Chair for Faculty Development, Department of Medicine
Professor, Department of Medicine
George C. and Margaret M. Hillenbrand Endowed Chair for Thoracic Oncology
View Faculty Profile open_in_new View Provider Profile open_in_new View Research Profile open_in_new

I am a lung cancer pulmonologist with expertise in the evaluation, management, and improvement of outcomes of patients with lung cancer. I conduct patient-oriented clinical research studies that encompass nearly every aspect of lung cancer care, including lung cancer screening, disparities in cancer care, shared decision-making, and the evaluation and management of pulmonary nodules. I have a graduate degree in the evaluative clinical sciences, and I apply the health services research techniques I learned to many aspects of lung cancer care.

Nichole Tanner, M.D., MSCR

Co-director, Lung Cancer Screening Program
Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy & Sleep Medicine
View Faculty Profile open_in_new View Provider Profile open_in_new View Research Profile open_in_new

I am a lung cancer pulmonologist and clinician scientist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Hospital where I have led the lung cancer screening program since 2012. I have a joint appointment as Professor of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) where I co-direct the NCI-designated Hollings Cancer Center lung cancer screening program. I am a member of Hollings Cancer Center Cancer Control Program and have worked to implement lung cancer screening programs across the state of South Carolina at recently acquired MUSC regional health hospitals. My research and clinical interest focus on all aspects of lung cancer screening, disparities, pulmonary nodule evaluation, and the staging and diagnosis of lung cancer.

Thoracic Oncology Research Staff

Michael Balassone, MPH, CCRC

mail balassom@musc.edu

Thoracic Oncology Research Program Manager
balassom@musc.edu
843-792-6696