Christopher L. Corless

Dr. Christopher L. Corless is a Professor of Pathology at Oregon Health & Science University's Knight Cancer Institute and holds dual affiliation with the Portland VA Hospital. As an MD/PhD researcher, he oversees the development of novel molecular and proteomic tests for solid tumors with particular expertise in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), melanomas, and sarcomas. His clinical pathology training includes Anatomic Pathology residency and specialized fellowships in Urologic and Gastrointestinal Pathology at Brigham & Women's Hospital.

Dr. Corless' research focuses on oncogenic mutations in solid tumors, molecular diagnostic assay development, and tyrosine kinase inhibitor response mechanisms. His laboratory work examines KIT and PDGFRA mutations in GIST, BRAF fusions in sarcomas, and tumor mutation burden correlations in metastatic cancers. Recent publications demonstrate his leadership in characterizing novel genetic fusions (MEIS1::NCOA1, SNX8-BRAF) and developing patient-derived models for SDH-deficient GIST.

His 15 most recent publications (2022-2025) reveal dominant research themes in

• Molecular classification of spindle cell sarcomas
• Genetic mechanisms of tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance
• Tumor evolution during targeted therapy
• Novel biomarker discovery for solid tumors

Notable collaborations include extensive work with Dr. Michael Heinrich's lab on GIST therapeutics and multi-institutional studies on rare sarcomas.

Scientific recognition includes membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) honor society. His laboratory contributes to the Knight Cancer Institute's mission of advancing molecular targeted therapy and genetic mutation analysis for improved cancer diagnostics and treatment.