UAB General Surgery research resident Tejeshwar Jain, M.D., was recognized for his project, "Targeting the gut microbiome improves anti-tumor cytotoxic CD8 T-cell response against hepatocellular carcinoma," which was nominated as one of the best hepatobiliary tract abstracts and will be presented at the plenary session at the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT).

In this study exploring the relationship between the gut microbiome, antitumor cytotoxic cells, and hepatocellular carcinoma, Jain examined how altering the gut microbiome could enhance the effectiveness of treatment strategies for cancer. Jain’s research is focused on identifying microbes and their by-products that can influence the anti-tumor immune response and can therefore emerge as novel therapeutic targets.

He has conducted his research under the mentorship of UAB Division of Surgical Oncology Director Vikas Dudeja, M.D.

“The SSAT meeting is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and mentors who share my commitment to advancing the field of surgical oncology. It is an honor that our work has been selected for the plenary session at the meeting”, said Jain.

About the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT)

The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract's mission is to advance gastrointestinal surgery, promote surgical leadership in patient care, educate and research alimentary tract diseases, offer a knowledge-sharing forum, and encourage training opportunities, funding, and publications that support these activities.