Research Fellows

University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA Professor, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

Research Focus: Cancer vaccine

Cancer Type: Melanoma

Award: Clinical Investigator

Dr. Glorioso shares a two-year ACGT grant with Dr. Gary Cohen of the University of Pennsylvania to support a study to develop a cancer vaccine for melanoma. Their research builds on previously successful results using a tumor-targeted, actively replicating herpes virus to infiltrate cancers and stimulate an immune system assault. Dr. Glorioso calls the methodology a “heat-seeking missile that targets metastatic cancer for destruction.” The treatment doesn’t stop there. Once the cancer is eliminated, the vaccine inserts an immunity barrier to protect against recurrence. Melanoma is among the most deadly cancers and this treatment offers new hope.