Peter Kuhn

Peter Kuhn is a University Professor at the University of Southern California with appointments spanning Biological Sciences, Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, and Urology. He serves as the Director of the Convergent Science Institute in Cancer (CSI-Cancer) at USC's Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, where he leads groundbreaking research in cancer diagnostics and treatment. His interdisciplinary approach bridges physics, engineering, and medicine to develop innovative cancer care solutions.

Dr. Kuhn's research focuses on liquid biopsy technologies, mathematical oncology, and digital health applications for cancer care. His work centers on redesigning cancer care through convergent science, with particular emphasis on early detection, disease forecasting, and personalized treatment strategies. He has pioneered the use of aqueous humor as a liquid biopsy for retinoblastoma and developed the Digital Health Companion platform to objectively assess patient performance status. His team's mathematical models predict cancer metastasis patterns across various cancers including bladder, breast, and lung cancer, transforming how clinicians understand and manage cancer progression.

Analysis of Dr. Kuhn's recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward multi-analyte liquid biopsy approaches, integrating single-cell analysis with genomic and proteomic data across various cancer types. His work increasingly focuses on clinical translation, with numerous publications addressing standardization frameworks (through the BLOODPAC consortium), diagnostic validation, and implementation of liquid biopsy in routine clinical practice. The research spans from fundamental cancer biology to practical clinical applications, with growing emphasis on digital health integration and AI-driven cancer forecasting.

• Dean's Professor of Biological Sciences (2014-2017)
• University Professor designation across multiple disciplines
• National Academy of Inventors Senior Member (Class of 2024)
• Recipient of numerous research grants from NIH, DoD, and industry partners

Dr. Kuhn mentors a large research team including multiple graduate students across engineering and biological sciences disciplines, as well as numerous undergraduate researchers. His CSI-Cancer institute has secured significant funding for projects including the ATOM-HP study on objective performance status measurement, INTERCEPT early detection of breast cancer, and the ATEZO trial for at-home cancer immunotherapy. The institute collaborates with major medical centers including Cedars-Sinai, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and Stanford University.

As Director of CSI-Cancer, Dr. Kuhn leads a multidisciplinary team developing innovative approaches to cancer care. The institute's work spans liquid biopsy development, mathematical oncology modeling, and digital health technologies. Key initiatives include the Digital Health Companion platform, disease forecasting models for various cancers, and the Convergent Science Cancer Consortium funded by the Department of Defense. The team operates state-of-the-art laboratories for single-cell analysis and collaborates closely with clinical partners to translate research findings into patient care improvements.