The Best of the AACR Journals Collection: Author Profiles

Theresa L. Whiteside

Title & Affiliation:
Professor, Departments of Pathology, Immunology, and Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Most-cited Article:
Exosomes from HNSCC Promote Angiogenesis through Reprogramming of Endothelial Cells

Q: What is your primary area of study/research?
A:Immuno-oncology

Q: What influenced your decision to embark on a research career?
A: A profound interest in the immune system and its role in the control of cancer development, progression, and response to immune therapies.

Q; What excites you most about your research area?
A: My current area of research embraces a small subset of extracellular vesicles called exosomes, and I am investigating mechanisms used by tumor cell-derived exosomes for re-programming functions of non-malignant cells, converting them into cancer-promoting cells. Exosomes also emerge as potential biomarkers for cancer progression and/or response, and I am excited and hopeful about the potential of exosomes as non-invasive biomarkers in cancer.

Q: What are your hobbies or passions outside of work?
A: I read a great deal, garden, and ride horseback. I enjoy travelling and being with my family.