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Xiling Shen

Adjunct Professor in the Department of Pathology
Pathology
2167 CIEMAS, 101 Science Dr, Box 3382, Durham, NC 27708
2167 CIEMAS, 101 Science Drive, Box 3382, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


Dr. Shen’s research interests lie at precision medicine and systems biology. His lab integrates engineering, computational and biological techniques to study cancer, stem cells, microbiota and the nervous system in the gut. This multidisciplinary work has been instrumental in initiating several translational clinical trials in precision therapy. He is the director of the Woo Center for Big Data and Precision Health (DAP) and a core member of the Center for Genomics and Computational Biology (GCB).

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Adjunct Professor in the Department of Pathology · 2023 - Present Pathology, Clinical Science Departments

In the News


Published January 13, 2021
The Cancer Microbiome Reveals Which Bacteria Live in Tumors
Published December 11, 2019
A Rare Window Into the Workings of the Colon in a Live Animal
Published April 27, 2018
Cancer Cells Adapt to Gorge on Sugar in the Liver

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Recent Publications


Framework for cancer evolution profiling and interception in colorectal cancer: ASCEND-CRC program.

Journal Article Cancer Cell · March 9, 2026 Cancer evolution is a complex and dynamic process, yet most treatment strategies remain static. Infrequent tumor sampling has limited our ability to counteract the transient adaptive states that precede resistance. To address this gap, ARPA-H launched the ... Full text Link to item Cite

Comprehensive Assessment of the Intrinsic Pancreatic Microbiome.

Journal Article Ann Surg · December 1, 2025 OBJECTIVE: To sought comprehensively profile tissue and cyst fluid in patients with benign, precancerous, and cancerous conditions of the pancreas to characterize the intrinsic pancreatic microbiome. BACKGROUND: Small studies in pancreatic ductal adenocarc ... Full text Link to item Cite

Distinct Tumor-Associated Macrophage Signatures Shape the Immune Microenvironment and Patient Prognosis in Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Journal Article Cells · November 6, 2025 Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for 90% of adult renal cancer cases and is characterized by significant heterogeneity within its tumor microenvironment. This study tests the hypothesis that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) influence RCC progression ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Duke Program of Training in Pulmonary ReSearch to Promote, Engage and Retain Academic Researchers (PROSPER)

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute · 2022 - 2026

Transcriptional reprogramming of lethal small cell prostate cancer

ResearchCollaborator · Awarded by Department of Defense · 2021 - 2024

Effects of storage method on intestinal allograft immune profile and viability

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Department of Defense · 2019 - 2024

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Education


Stanford University · 2008 Ph.D.
Stanford University · 2001 B.Sc.
Stanford University · 2001 M.Sc.