Max S. Wicha

Biography

Dr. Wicha has been a major leader in the science of cancer stem cells. His group was part of the team that first identified breast cancer stem cells, the first such cells identified in solid tumors. His laboratory has identified a number of cancer stem cell markers and developed in vitro and mouse models to isolate and characterize these cells, models which have been widely utilized in the field. His group has subsequently elucidated a number of intrinsic and extrinsic pathways which regulate stem cell self-renewal and cell fate decisions. This work has directly led to development of several clinical trials aimed at targeting breast cancer stem cells. According to the ISI citation index, Dr. Wicha is among the most highly cited investigators in the field of cancer stem cells. Dr. Wicha is also the founding director of the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, a position he held for 27 years. Under his leadership, the UMCCC established itself as one of the nation’s premier cancer centers. In 2015, Dr. Wicha stepped down as the Cancer Center Director enabling him to devote his full efforts to cancer stem cell research. In 2016, he was awarded an R35- Outstanding Investigator award from the NCI to support his research in cancer stem cells.  

Research Interest

 Research in cancer stem cells