UAB Division of Surgical Oncology Director Vikas Dudeja, M.D., has been selected for a $360,000 grant award over the next two years from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for his project entitled, "Integrated genomic-transcriptomic characterization to identify molecular mechanisms of disparities in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) outcomes."

Dudeja's primary research interests include acute pancreatitis, acute recurrent pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer, and devising strategies to address its progression and metastasis.

His research has received over $3 million dollars over the past two years from prestigious organizations such as the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs Merit Program, as well as important foundations, including the Society of Surgical Oncology and the National Pancreas Foundation.

"UAB is a pioneer in researching healthcare disparities. The Division of Surgical Oncology consistently aims to advance knowledge and develop personalized treatment strategies tailored to individual patient's needs. It is crucial to recognize that variations in ethnicity or other characteristics can result in different genetic profiles, requiring distinct treatment strategies," says Dudeja. “Together, we can find tangible and effective treatments for pancreatic cancer.”