Josephine A. Taverna, MD

As a thoracic oncologist with specialized expertise in lung cancer and drug development, my research is driven by a commitment to advancing translational science that bridges mechanistic discovery with clinical application. My work integrates early-phase clinical trial experience with laboratory-based modeling to support a biomarker-driven approach aimed at improving outcomes for patients with immunotherapy-resistant cancers. At the Mays Cancer Center, I lead a translational research program focused on dissecting the tumor microenvironment (TME) and identifying actionable therapeutic targets. A central focus of our lab is understanding how to reprogram the immunosuppressive TME to enhance antitumor immunity.

Recently, we investigated the combined targeting of AXL, STAT3, and PD1 signaling pathways in a syngeneic EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma mouse model. Using a combination of bemcentinib (AXL inhibitor), pacritinib (STAT3 inhibitor), and checkpoint inhibitor, we demonstrated that this regimen was well tolerated and led to significant tumor growth inhibition. Mechanistically, the treatment suppressed tumor vascularization and reduced the presence of tumor-associated macrophages and endothelial cells. Notably, it also enhanced the infiltration of cytotoxic T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and natural killer T (NKT) cells—highlighting a promising strategy to reverse immunosuppression and restore effective antitumor immune responses.

These preclinical findings directly support the rationale for clinical translation in immunotherapy-refractory non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and are now guiding the development of an investigator-initiated, biomarker-driven phase II clinical trial. By leveraging preclinical models, cutting-edge single-cell and spatial transcriptomic analyses, and integrative biomarker studies, our research aims to transform therapeutic paradigms in thoracic oncology.

My long-term goal is to develop more effective and less toxic treatment strategies through multidisciplinary collaboration and personalized cancer therapy development. I remain fully committed to translational science that accelerates the bench-to-bedside journey and improves patient outcomes.