Nishant Agrawal

Dr. Nishant Agrawal is a Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Chicago, where he leads a research laboratory focused on the genetics and molecular diagnostics of head and neck cancer. His work has significantly contributed to understanding the genomic landscape of various head and neck cancers and developing novel diagnostic approaches using tumor DNA biomarkers.

• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY - Fellowship (2008) in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology
• Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD - Post-doc (2007) in Molecular Genetics
• Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD - Residency (2007) in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
• Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD - MD (2001) in Medicine
• Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ - BA (1997) in Biology

Dr. Agrawal's research primarily focuses on the application of cancer genetics to design diagnostic approaches that reduce morbidity and mortality from head and neck cancer. His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding the genomic landscape of head & neck squamous cell carcinoma, esophageal cancer, and medullary thyroid cancer. A key area of innovation has been the development of assays using tumor DNA as a biomarker in saliva and plasma, which has potential for non-invasive cancer detection and monitoring. His work bridges basic science with clinical applications, particularly in the areas of HPV-related head and neck cancers and precision oncology approaches.

Analysis of Dr. Agrawal's recent publications reveals a strong focus on translational research in head and neck oncology, particularly in HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer. His work spans multiple approaches including liquid biopsy techniques, AI-based analysis of tumor pathology, targeted therapies for specific molecular subtypes, and clinical trials of de-escalated treatment approaches. A notable trend is the increasing integration of artificial intelligence and computational methods in cancer diagnostics and treatment planning, reflecting the evolving landscape of precision oncology.

• 2017 AACR Team Science Award, American Association for Cancer Research
• 2016 Senior Faculty Scholar, Bucksbaum Institute for Clinical Excellence, University of Chicago
• 2016 Reviewer, NIH Cancer Genetics Study Section
• 2016-2017 Expert Panel, Early Detection (Screening) of Oral Cancer Clinical Practice Guidelines, American Dental Association
• 2015 Editorial Board, Scientific Reports
• 2012 George T Nager Award for Excellence in Teaching, Johns Hopkins University
• 2001 Richard Westcott Appleton Scholarship, Johns Hopkins University
• 2001 Owsei Temkin Scholarship, Johns Hopkins University
• 1999 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Scholarship
• 1997 Marvin Harold Cheiten Award (1st in class), Rutgers University

Dr. Agrawal has secured significant research funding, including multiple NIH grants as Principal Investigator. His current research portfolio includes R01DE028674 investigating somatic mutations in tissue and saliva as prognostic and screening biomarkers for oral premalignancy, and R21DE023218 focused on genome-wide discovery of molecular alterations in salivary gland tumors. His laboratory serves as a training ground for numerous students and postdoctoral fellows interested in head and neck cancer research, fostering the next generation of physician-scientists in this field.

Dr. Agrawal's laboratory at the University of Chicago represents a multidisciplinary team of researchers working at the intersection of cancer genomics, molecular diagnostics, and clinical oncology. The lab collaborates extensively with other research groups both within the University of Chicago and across national and international institutions. Current research directions include developing non-invasive biomarker approaches for early cancer detection, understanding treatment resistance mechanisms, and translating genomic discoveries into clinical applications for personalized cancer care.