Marcela D. Alincourt Salazar

Marcela D. Alincourt Salazar, Ph.D., is a Staff Scientist in the Department of Immuno-Oncology Research at City of Hope. Her research focuses on mechanisms of tumor immune evasion in pancreatic cancer and the development of Salmonella-based therapies for solid tumors. She holds a Ph.D. and has held postdoctoral positions at institutions including the Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope and the University of Southern California.

Her research interests span cancer immunology, immuno-oncology, and molecular mechanisms of tumor progression. Key areas include immune checkpoint inhibition in pancreatic cancer models, immune system activation via inhalational therapies, and hormonal regulation of cancer pathways. Her work also explores folate receptor-based targeted drug delivery systems.

Publications highlight preclinical studies on PD-1 blockade efficacy, perillyl alcohol's immunomodulatory effects, and estrogen-androgen receptor signaling in cancer. Contributions span tumor microenvironment dynamics, immune evasion strategies, and novel therapeutic approaches.

Notable research includes a highly cited review on folate receptor therapeutics (2007, 230+ citations). She has co-authored over 10 peer-reviewed articles and a book chapter on targeted drug strategies.

Laboratory work is conducted at the Beckman Research Institute within City of Hope's Comprehensive Cancer Center.