Overview
The overall goal of the Lee lab’s research program is to improve the therapeutic window of radiation therapy and the survivorship of cancer patients by minimizing acute and late effects of radiation. Our current NIH-funded projects primarily focus on defining the mechanisms underlying the regeneration of epithelial cells in the oral mucosa and the small intestines in response to radiation injury. In addition, we are developing novel medical countermeasures for gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome as well as radiation-induced intestinal fibrosis in the scenarios of nuclear terrorism.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Associate Professor in Radiation Oncology
·
2024 - Present
Radiation Oncology,
Clinical Science Departments
Assistant Professor in Pathology
·
2020 - Present
Pathology,
Clinical Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2018 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Mis-splicing drives loss of function of p53E224D point mutation.
Journal Article PLoS One · 2025 BACKGROUND: The tumor suppressor p53 (Trp53), also known as p53, is the most commonly mutated gene in cancer. Canonical p53 DNA damage response pathways are well characterized and classically thought to underlie the tumor suppressive effect of p53. Challen ... Full text Link to item CiteImpact of cancer therapy on clonal hematopoiesis mutations and subsequent clinical outcomes.
Journal Article Blood Adv · October 8, 2024 Exposure to cancer therapies is associated with an increased risk of clonal hematopoiesis (CH). The objective of our study was to investigate the genesis and evolution of CH after cancer therapy. In this prospective study, we undertook error-corrected dupl ... Full text Link to item CiteMechanisms Underlying the Development of Murine T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma/Leukemia Induced by Total-Body Irradiation.
Journal Article Cancers (Basel) · June 14, 2024 Exposure to ionizing radiation is associated with an increased risk of hematologic malignancies in myeloid and lymphoid lineages in humans and experimental mice. Given that substantial evidence links radiation exposure with the risk of hematologic malignan ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Mitigation of gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome by promoting clusterin-mediated intestinal regeneration
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029Radioprotective effect of p53 against oral mucositis
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2023 - 2028Sex differences in delayed development of gastrointestinal fibrosis after acute radiation exposure
ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Duke University ·
2012
Ph.D.