Deric Wheeler

Biography

I’m a Professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health within the Department of Radiation Medicine.

My research lab examines mechanisms of resistance to molecular targeting agents, tumor immune evasion and suppression strategies, and basic receptor tyrosine kinase biology specific to head and neck cancer (HNC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We employ a variety of methodologies including cell culture, molecular biology techniques, mouse model systems, patient-derived xenografts, ‘omics approaches, analysis of human tissues, and development of early phase clinical trials.  Notably, our investigations have shed light on the TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases (Tyro, Axl, and MerTK) and their pivotal role in promoting growth and metastasis of cancer.

Recent research expands our understanding of how tumor-bound receptor tyrosine kinases perpetuate oncogenic signaling, affecting mediators such as cytokines and immunoreceptors within the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) to help cancer cells evade and suppress immune mediated killing. We collaborate extensively with clinical colleagues including radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, surgeons, bioinformaticians, and statisticians, who closely partner with our lab to translate our fundamental scientific discoveries into clinical applications in the form of window-of-opportunity and phase I clinical trials here at UW.

Additionally, I serve as the Director of the Badger Challenge, an annual cycling event aimed at raising crucial funds for cancer research at UW. In addition to my leadership and research roles, my laboratory provides a rich environment for students interested in pursuing translational research. I teach high school students, undergraduate, graduate, and medical students as well as postdoctoral fellows. Being within a clinical department provides ample opportunities to interact with physicians and physician-scientists. This interaction allows for meaningful understanding of cancer and the best way for my students to advance their findings to the clinic. Ultimately, we hope our work impacts patients and their families in a positive way.