James H. Finke

James H. Finke, PhD, is a Professor in the Departments of Molecular Medicine and Pathology at the School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University. He is also a Member of the Molecular Oncology Program at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and holds an external appointment as Contract Staff in the Department of Inflammation and Immunity at the Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic. His research focuses on mechanisms by which the tumor microenvironment influences T cell immunity to cancer, particularly in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Key projects include studying ganglioside shedding from RCC tumors, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and the effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors like sunitinib on immune function in RCC patients.

Finke’s lab has demonstrated that sunitinib reduces MDSCs in RCC patients and mouse models, improving T cell function. Current work explores how sunitinib inhibits MDSC accumulation and enhances immunotherapies like vaccines or adoptive T cell therapy. His research bridges cancer biology, immunology, and clinical translation, with implications for improving anti-tumor immune responses.

His academic roles include teaching and collaboration across institutions. Though no formal student advisees are listed, his work contributes to graduate and postdoctoral training through Lerner Research Institute programs. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts.