Research

Our research focuses on the clinical development of novel therapeutics and clinical trials for rare monogenic diseases: Epidermolysis Bullosa and Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome. We use pre-clinical mouse models, epidemiology, genomics and investigator-initiated clinical trials to identify new treatments for our patients.

Epidermolysis Bullosa

We collaborate with Dr. Peter Marinkovich, Dr. Albert Chiou, Dr. Joyce Teng, and Dr. Anthony Oro in our work on Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). We focus on molecular correction of the disease and are currently conducting several clinical trials and research studies. We are also investigating therapeutics for itch associated with EB. We continue to collaborate with EB researchers across the country and internationally to improve the lives of patients with this devastating disease.

Learn More About EB Research at Stanford

Stanford Medicine Magazine Feature on EB

Basal Cell Carcinoma

We are investigating new therapeutics to treat and prevent non-melanoma skin cancer, especially by targeting the Hedgehog signaling pathway for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tumors. We aim to provide treatment to patients with advanced or non-resectable BCC or patients with Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome (also known as Gorlin’s Syndrome) who develop hundreds of BCCs. Dr. Tang was involved in the first clinical trials testing a drug known as vismodegib, an oral hedgehog pathway inhibitor used to treat BCC and she continues to investigate this medication and other methods to treat BCC. Dr. Tang and her team have also studied itraconzole, an anti-fungal drug, and how can be used to treat BCC.

We are also investigating genomic analysis of cancers that are resistant to vismodegib and other chemotherapeutic agents.

Epidemiology

We utilize population level databases such as the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to identify epidemiologic trends, including risk factors for skin cancer.