Summary
The research of David Dingli, M.D., Ph.D., aims to develop and optimize the use of replicating viruses for cancer therapy. The laboratory lives at the interface between theory and experiment.
Focus areas
- Mathematical models. Dr. Dingli's research group develops mathematical models to understand the outcomes of in vivo experiments and explore in silico therapeutic scenarios based on validated models. The models generate hypothesis that are utilized to design novel viruses that are then tested experimentally.
- Clonal evolution in hematopoiesis. Dr. Dingli also studies clonal evolution in hematopoiesis with special reference to hematopoietic neoplasms. Starting from normal hematopoiesis, his group models tumor development and its response to therapy, as well as the evolution of "benign" clonal disorders (such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria) and nonmalignant processes (such as cyclic hematopoiesis and hematopoietic recovery after stem cell transplantation).
Significance to patient care
Dr. Dingli is interested in understanding the dynamic interactions between tumors cells, therapeutic viruses and the immune system, and how these interactions determine the outcome of therapy. This approach enables the development of novel viruses with altered dynamic properties that may lead to better tumor control.