Yongwoo Seo

Dr. Yongwoo Seo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he joined the faculty in September 2024. He is also a member of the MCW Cancer Center and holds privileges at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital. Dr. Seo completed his medical training at the University of Michigan and surgical residency at the University of Washington, followed by specialized fellowship training in Surgical Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Dr. Seo's research focuses on the intersection of cancer immunology, surgical oncology, and microbiome science, with particular emphasis on pancreatic cancer and gastrointestinal malignancies. His work investigates how tumor microenvironment, T-cell responses, and gut microbiome interactions influence treatment response and patient outcomes. He has developed expertise in both clinical trial design and translational research methodologies, including tumor slice culture techniques that allow precise study of human cancer immune microenvironments.

His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong research trajectory with significant contributions to understanding cancer testis antigens in neuroendocrine tumors, microbiome modulation to enhance immunotherapy, and the role of adjuvant therapies in biliary tract cancers. These works appear in high-impact journals including JAMA Oncology, Cancer Discovery, and Nature Medicine, reflecting the significance of his contributions to the field.

• Research Focus: Pancreatic cancer immunology, tumor microenvironment, microbiome-cancer interactions, surgical oncology
• Methodological Expertise: Clinical trial design, translational research, tumor slice culture models, immune profiling

Dr. Seo has secured multiple research grants totaling over $290,000 as Principal Investigator, including awards from the American Cancer Society and Central Surgical Association. His research program bridges basic science with clinical applications, with several projects focused on developing novel therapeutic approaches for pancreatic cancer. He actively mentors medical students, residents, and post-doctoral fellows, providing opportunities for hands-on research experience in both laboratory and clinical settings.