Casey R. Ager

Casey R. Ager, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Immunology at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. He holds dual administrative appointments as Senior Associate Consultant I-Research in both the Department of Immunology and the Department of Urology, operating within the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. His research is embedded in the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center and the David F. and Margaret T. Grohne Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapeutics Program.

Dr. Ager's research focuses on advancing cancer immunology, particularly in genitourinary cancers. His work centers on three major areas: constructing temporal atlases of antitumor immunity using high-dimensional spectral flow cytometry, developing rational drug sequencing strategies for time-resolved combination immunotherapy, and identifying novel targetable vulnerabilities in tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells (Tregs), including the transcription factor TRPS1 and the KLRG1+Helios- phenotype. These studies leverage preclinical models and clinical specimens to map immune dynamics at high resolution, informing therapeutic development and clinical trial design.

His research employs state-of-the-art single-cell immune profiling technologies to understand why some immune responses to cancer succeed while others fail, with the goal of sensitizing resistant patients—especially those with prostate cancer—to immunotherapy. Collaborations span Mayo Clinic’s Department of Urology, the Department of Immunology, and external partners at Columbia University, supporting both mechanistic discovery and translational application.

Dr. Ager’s work has significant implications for patient care, driving innovations in drug development, optimization of existing regimens, and the design of neoadjuvant clinical trials. His findings are validated through correlative studies on human trials, ensuring clinical relevance. He is actively involved in the research ecosystem at Mayo Clinic, contributing to core facilities, training programs, and interdisciplinary cancer research initiatives.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
• B.S. in Biochemistry, University of Washington

Scientific Awards:

• No awards listed in the provided text.

Advising and Grants:

While specific students or grant funding are not mentioned, Dr. Ager collaborates extensively with physician-scientists and research teams at Mayo Clinic and Columbia University. His research program is likely supported by institutional and possibly federal or foundation grants, given its translational nature and technological sophistication. He contributes to postdoctoral fellowships and training grant programs at Mayo Clinic, indicating a role in mentoring and academic training.

Laboratories and Research Teams:

Dr. Ager leads a research laboratory focused on cancer immunology, operating within Mayo Clinic’s research infrastructure in Phoenix. His team utilizes core facilities for spectral flow cytometry and immune profiling, and collaborates with clinical and basic science teams across departments and institutions. The lab is integral to the Grohne Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapeutics Program, emphasizing interdisciplinary and team-based science.