ICRN Investigators Spotlight
Senior Investigator
Shishir Maithel, MD FACS FSSO
Chief of Surgical Oncology in the Department of Surgery
Professor, Surgery, Surgical Oncology
William T. Bovie Professor of Surgery
Northwestern Medicine
What does being part of the ICRN or affiliated with CCF mean to you?
Since 2015, I have been enamored with the commitment, heart, and soul of the CCF. It has truly been inspiring to witness the strength of the human spirit in the patients, caregivers, volunteers, and leadership of the CCF. It has also been transformative for my own career as I have gained many friends and collaborators with which to conduct novel forward-thinking clinical trials in an effort to improve the care and outcomes of our patients.
As a senior researcher, what advice would you give to early-career professionals?
Find a good mentor, form a good team, work hard, think outside the box, be patient, and seek advice from patients and advocates.
What message of hope would you share with CCA patients about your work?
I am working hard to bring all the advances in treatment including immunotherapy and targeted therapy that we have seen in the advanced disease space to patients with early stage resectable disease. This effort rests on the strength of the CCF, support from patients, and an incredible collaborative team that has been assembled through the CCF.
Fun Question: What’s the last movie, book, or concert you enjoyed?
The Killers – favorite band, amazing show. Brandon Flowers has an amazing voice!
Junior Investigator
Gagandeep Brar, MD
Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research
Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope
What does being part of the ICRN or affiliated with CCF mean to you?
CCF is a great place for junior investigators to establish themselves in the field of biliary tract cancers. The collegiality is great and the mentorship opportunities are limitless.
As a junior investigator, how has getting involved with CCF helped your career?
I have met my heroes and senior investigators on multiple occasions through CCF. Speaking and working with them drives me to be a good researcher but most importantly, a great physician for my patients. Working with CCF, you never loose sight of what all of our hard work, sacrifice and dedication is ultimately about, love for our patients.
What message of hope would you share with CCA patients about your work?
My research focuses on modulating immune responses in patients with biliary tract cancers, with a particular focus on the microbiome.
Fun Question: What’s the last movie, book, or concert you enjoyed?
I just finished reading Dungeon Crawler Carl, it was fantastic! I am big into fantasy/sci-fi books.