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Head & Neck Cancer Research

The department's head and neck oncology research group leads a comprehensive, multidisciplinary research program integrating advanced molecular genetics, immuno-oncology, and patient-centered clinical care.

Their translational laboratories are pioneering liquid biomarker development for early detection and surveillance, while leveraging spatial transcriptomics and metabolomics to dissect the tumor microenvironment and its role in progression and treatment resistance. A particular focus is placed on understanding the tumor microenvironment in response to immunotherapy and mechanisms of treatment resistance. The group’s work spans bench-to-bedside translation, with robust clinical trial activity informed by genomic, transcriptomic, and spatial data.

Additionally, investigators are committed to improving outcomes through innovations in shared decision-making and value-based care, ensuring that scientific advances are tightly integrated with patient needs and healthcare system impact.

Research Programs & Labs

Head & Neck Oncology Research Program

Uniting experts across 13 departments and five University of Michigan schools, our Head and Neck Oncology Program leads groundbreaking cancer research that spans basic, clinical, behavioral, population, and translational studies to continuously advance patient care.

Head & Neck Oncology Clinical & Health Services Research Lab

Advancing head and neck oncology, the Head and Neck Oncology Clinical and Health Services Research Group conducts clinical and health services research to continuously improve patient outcomes and optimize healthcare experiences.

Michigan Otolaryngology & Translational Oncology Lab

Developing at-home urine-based testing and advancing precision oncology to improve patient outcomes through informatics tools, ethical policy frameworks for genomic data use, and novel therapeutic strategies that better predict treatment response.

Our Team

J Chad Brenner, PhD, MSE

Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Associate Professor of Pharmacology
Cellular and Molecular Biology Academic Program Director
Medical School

[email protected]

Marisa R Buchakjian, MD, PhD, FACS

Clinical Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction Fellowship Director
Medical School

David Forner, MD, MSc

Clinical Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Otolaryngology Education Lead
Medical School

Molly E Heft Neal, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Associate Chair At-Large
Otolaryngology Education Lead
Medical School

[email protected]

Scott Alan McLean, MD, PhD, FACS

Clinical Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Medical School

[email protected]

Jeffrey S Moyer, MD, MS, FACS

Legacy Professor of Facial and Reconstructive Surgery
Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Clinical Physician Lead for Otolaryngology
Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Division Chief
Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship Co-Director
Facial Cosmetic Surgery Center Medical Director
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Associate Chair of Clinical Programs
Medical School

[email protected]

Mark E P Prince, MD, FRCS(C), FACS

Charles J Krause M.D. Legacy Professor of Otolaryngology
Chair, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Otolaryngology Adult Service Chief
Medical School

[email protected]

734-936-8029

Pratyusha Yalamanchi, MD, MBA

Clinical Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Associate Medical/Clinical Director, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Medical School