SUMMARY
The research of Aadel A. Chaudhuri, M.D., Ph.D., is at the forefront of translational cancer genomics, with a particular emphasis on the development and application of liquid biopsy technologies. Dr. Chaudhuri's lab leverages cutting-edge technologies to conduct in-depth genomic analyses that are central to his research.
These methodologies include:
- Enzymatic methyl sequencing for cell-free DNA epigenomic profiling.
- Whole-genome sequencing for copy number and fragmentomic analysis.
- Targeted deep sequencing to detect tumor-associated mutations.
- Deconvolution for analyzing the cellular composition of tumor samples.
- Developmental trajectory analysis to identify cancer stemness signatures.
These advanced techniques enable comprehensive and precise analysis of tumor genomic data, forming the foundation of Dr. Chaudhuri's innovative research efforts.
Dr. Chaudhuri's laboratory is funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), the Children's Tumor Foundation (CTF), the Children's Discovery Institute, and the Melanoma Research Alliance. He also has successfully mentored M.D.-Ph.D., M.D., Ph.D. and postdoctoral trainees who went on to successfully obtain National Institutes of Health (NIH) and foundation award funding themselves, including NCI F30, NIGMS K08, CTF Young Investigator Award and Radiological Society of North America Medical Student Grant. Two of his former postdoctoral trainees are now fully independent assistant professors who lead their own academic research programs.
Focus areas
- Precision oncology. Dr. Chaudhuri's research is deeply rooted in the principles of precision oncology. By using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and other liquid biopsy and genomic technologies, his team aims to tailor cancer treatments to the specific genomic, epigenomic, developmental and molecular profiles of individual tumors. This personalized approach helps select the most effective therapies, minimizing side effects and improving survival outcomes. The integration of genomics, epigenomics and bioinformatics in his research allows for a comprehensive understanding of tumor biology and its response to different therapeutic interventions.
- Early cancer detection. Dr. Chaudhuri's team has used ctDNA to distinguish between malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors and premalignant lesions in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. The ability to detect cancer at its earliest stages can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.
- ctDNA minimal residual disease (MRD) detection. One of the groundbreaking aspects of Dr. Chaudhuri's work is the use of ctDNA to detect MRD. MRD refers to the small number of cancer cells that may remain in a patient's body after treatment and could lead to relapse. Dr. Chaudhuri's research has shown that ctDNA can be a powerful tool for identifying these residual tumor remnants much earlier than conventional imaging, thus enabling timely interventions to prevent cancer recurrence.
- Proximal biofluid MRD detection. Dr. Chaudhuri's research includes a significant focus on the use of proximal biofluids, such as urine and lymphatic fluid, to detect MRD in certain cancer types. This work has implications for detecting residual disease more quickly and sensitively than blood plasma in certain situations, and accurately predicting locoregional relapse, which could be important for adjuvant radiotherapy decision-making.
- Immunotherapy toxicity prediction. Dr. Chaudhuri's team recently identified specific characteristics of CD4 T cells that are associated with toxicity from immune checkpoint blockade. This work has implications for developing strategies to manage and potentially prevent these adverse effects, thereby improving the therapeutic window of immunotherapy treatments.
- Immunotherapy response prediction. Dr. Chaudhuri's research also uses cell-free DNA to anticipate immunotherapy response. This involves tracking changes in ctDNA levels and other immune-related biomarkers to predict the effectiveness of treatment. Identifying early signs of response versus resistance can facilitate treatment adjustments, ensuring that patients receive the most personalized care.
- Oligometastatic cancer risk stratification. Accurately risk-stratifying patients with oligometastatic cancer and determining the prioritization of locally focused versus systemically focused therapies can be challenging. By integrating ctDNA analysis, Dr. Chaudhuri aims to provide clearer guidance on whether localized or systemic treatments should be prioritized, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for patients with oligometastatic cancer.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Chaudhuri's research on liquid biopsy technologies will greatly benefit patients seeking cancer treatment. His work aims to find cancer earlier, predict treatment response and toxicity, and develop personalized treatments. These innovations are poised to revolutionize cancer testing and treatment, making patient care more precise, effective and less invasive. Ultimately, Dr. Chaudhuri's work promises patients with cancer better results and better quality of life, transforming cancer care by providing more accurate and personalized treatments.
Professional highlights
- Emerging leader, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2024-present.
- Enterprise co-director, Cancer Individualized Medicine Office, Mayo Clinic, 2024-present.
- Vice chair for Translational Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 2024-present.
- Chair, Early Career Investigator Committee, Radiation Research Society, 2023-present.
- Co-chair, Liquid Biopsies Interest Group, NIH, 2019-present.
- Basic/Translational Science Award, American Society for Radiation Oncology, 2023.
- Michael Fry Research Award, Radiation Research Society, 2022.
- R35 Maximizing Investigators' Research Award, NIH, 2021.
- V Scholar Award, The V Foundation for Cancer Research, 2020.
- K08 Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award, NCI, 2019.