Dr. Despina Siolas, MD, PhD, has been awarded a two-year, $200,000 grant from the Cancer Research and Treatment Fund (CR&T) to support her project, “Investigating the Immunogenicity of Mutant KRAS in Pancreatic Cancer.” This groundbreaking research aims to uncover how a tumor’s DNA can significantly influence the number and types of immune cells surrounding it. Specifically, Dr. Siolas seeks to understand why pancreatic tumors are resistant to immunotherapy and how this resistance can be overcome, ultimately improving responsiveness to current treatments. Her work holds promise for enhancing therapeutic outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Siolas’s academic career is distinguished by numerous accolades. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree summa cum laude from St. John’s University, followed by her medical degree from Stony Brook University, where she received the prestigious E-Trade Financial Scholarship from the Hellenic Medical Society of New York. In addition to her medical degree, Dr. Siolas holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from Stony Brook University, where she conducted her doctoral research under the mentorship of Dr. Greg Hannon at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, a renowned institution for genetic research.
After completing her residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in hematology and oncology at NYU Langone Health, Dr. Siolas established herself as a researcher in pancreatic cancer. Now heading her own laboratory at Weill Cornell Medicine, she is committed to advancing the field of cancer immunology. In her tenure-track position, she focuses on translational research that bridges the gap between basic scientific discovery and clinical application, delivering innovative cancer treatments to patients.
Dr. Siolas’s personal history is also a testament to resilience and bravery. She is the granddaughter of two WWII prisoners of war: George Siolas, a Greek POW in Yugoslavia, and George Tsounis, an American POW in Germany who was awarded the Purple Heart. Dr. Siolas draws on their legacy of courage and dedication in her work to combat one of the most challenging forms of cancer.
Founded in 1968 by Dr. Richard T. Silver, a prominent oncologist, CR&T’s mission is to invest in cancer research that leads to critical breakthroughs and deepens the understanding of cancer biology and treatment. Over its 55-year history, CR&T has awarded more than $17 million in grants, contributing to major advances in the fight against cancer. Their annual Cancer Survivor Hall of Fame Dinner will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, in New York City. The event will honor outstanding physician-scientists like Dr. Siolas, as well as philanthropists and courageous cancer survivors, in recognition of their contributions to cancer research and treatment.
Siolas Laboratory Website: Siolas Lab | Weill Cornell Medicine
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