Marwa M. Afifi

Autophagy-Mediated Antitumor Effects of BCG and Imiquimod in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This study shows that TLR agonists BCG and imiquimod induce autophagy, reducing tumor volume and improving survival in OSCC, with effects comparable to cisplatin but with less toxicity.

Periductal Fibroblast Density Defines Lymphocyte Exclusion via a CD44-Dependent Stromal Checkpoint in Pancreatic Cancer

The paper identifies periductal fibroblast density as a key factor in immune exclusion in pancreatic cancer, showing that CD44-dependent stromal checkpoints restrict leukocyte access to tumor epithelium.

Targeting GOF p53 and c-MYC through LZK Inhibition or Degradation Suppresses Head and Neck Tumor Growth

This study identifies LZK as a therapeutic target in HNSCC by showing its regulation of c-MYC and GOF p53, and demonstrates PROTAC-mediated degradation as a potential treatment.