Dr. Andrew Aguirre

Biography

Andrew Aguirre is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. His laboratory focuses on translational oncology with a particular emphasis on pancreatic cancer and RAS-driven malignancies. The lab employs genomic and functional genetic approaches as well as molecular cell biology techniques to understand the genetics and biology of pancreatic cancer. Aguirre's research aims to identify novel therapeutic strategies and evaluate patient-derived models, including genetically engineered mouse models. He actively collaborates with clinical, laboratory, and computational colleagues to perform multidisciplinary research, reflecting a commitment to addressing the urgent need for innovative therapies in pancreatic cancer. Aguirre's work investigates KRAS oncogene mutations, which are prevalent in the majority of pancreatic cancers, studying their role in cancer cell proliferation and survival and identifying synthetic lethal vulnerabilities as potential therapeutic avenues. The laboratory also explores mechanisms of resistance to direct KRAS inhibitors and uses advanced genomic techniques, including single-cell sequencing, to define the genetic characteristics that drive the aggressive nature of the disease. Andrew has developed a translational research program that evaluates therapeutic responses in gastrointestinal cancers to better inform treatment selection.

Research Interests