Cheng-Chia Wu

Cheng-Chia "Fred" Wu, M.D., Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC and the Department of Internal Medicine at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. He leads a translational research laboratory with dual locations at the Cancer Research Center in Roanoke, Virginia, and the Children's National Research & Innovation Campus in Washington, D.C. His work bridges technological innovation from Virginia Tech with clinical expertise from Children's National Hospital to develop novel therapies for childhood cancers.

Research Interests: Dr. Wu specializes in developing precision-based treatments for aggressive pediatric brain tumors, particularly diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and diffuse midline glioma (DMG). His research leverages focused ultrasound (FUS) technology to non-invasively open the blood-brain barrier, enabling targeted delivery of chemotherapy, radiation, and other therapeutic agents. This approach aims to improve treatment efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity.

Publication Trends: His recent publications (2020–2024) demonstrate a consistent focus on preclinical and early clinical validation of FUS-mediated drug delivery in glioma models. The studies emphasize safety, feasibility, and enhanced therapeutic efficacy, particularly in brainstem tumors. Keywords across these works include blood-brain barrier modulation, drug delivery, radiation oncology, and neuro-oncology, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach at the intersection of engineering and medicine.

Scientific Awards:

• Scientific Advisory Board for Pediatrics — Focused Ultrasound Foundation (2022)
• Hannah’s Heroes St. Baldrick’s Scholar (2021)
• RSNA Roentgen Resident/Fellow Research Award (2018)
• Multiple travel awards from 2009–2012 for eicosanoid and lipid research
• Dean’s Medical Student Research Award — Basic Science (2007)

Advising and Grants: While specific student names are not listed, Dr. Wu leads the Wu Lab, which has open research positions, indicating active mentorship and team-based research. He is supported by external funding, including a recent grant to study focused ultrasound for pediatric brain cancers, enabling innovative work on creatine delivery and neurological repair. His collaborations with institutions like Children's National and Columbia University underscore a robust network for clinical translation.

Labs and Teams: The Wu Lab operates across two major research hubs: the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in Roanoke and the Children's National Research & Innovation Campus in D.C. This dual-site operation facilitates integration of engineering advances with pediatric clinical trials, positioning the team at the forefront of pediatric neuro-oncology innovation.