Research Summary

I have been heavily involved in the field of salivary gland cancer research since my postdoctoral experience during residency in the lab of Drs. David Sidransky and Joseph Califano. I joined the Johns Hopkins Department of Otolaryngology as a faculty member in 2006 and chose to focus my research efforts on salivary gland tumors, with several NIH and foundation grants awarded since 2007. My focus was on the epigenetic mechanisms of adenoid cystic carcinoma, and the pathways that might lead to its development. Since moving to UCSF in 2015, our lab has pivoted to studying the function of the Myb-NFIB fusion oncogene present in adenoid cystic carcinoma in an effort to better understand the molecular underpinnings of this elusive cancer. We continue to work with many collaborators at UCSF and throughout the world. As a practicing head and neck surgeon, I bring additional clinical expertise which can offer access to tissue banking and patients, as well as an understanding of the relevant translational questions.

Research Funding

  • August 8, 2025 - August 7, 2027 - Development and characterization of metastatic Myb-NFIB fusion adenoid cystic carcinoma cell line models , Principal Investigator . Sponsor: NIH, Sponsor Award ID: R21DE035273
  • September 1, 2012 - August 31, 2017 - Integrated pathway analysis of altered driver genes in adenoid cystic carcinoma , Principal Investigator . Sponsor: NIH, Sponsor Award ID: R01DE023227
  • July 13, 2012 - June 30, 2014 - array-based screening for the expression and regulation of tumor supressor genes , Principal Investigator . Sponsor: NIH, Sponsor Award ID: R03DE022591
  • July 1, 2007 - December 30, 2012 - The role of promoter hypermethylation in adenoid cystic carcinoma , Principal Investigator . Sponsor: NIH, Sponsor Award ID: K08DE018463

Education

Harvard College, BA, 1991-95, Biology
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, MD, 1995-99, Medicine
Johns Hopkins Department of Otolaryngology, Residency, 1999-2006, Otolaryngology
Johns Hopkins Department of Otolaryngology, Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2000-2002, Molecular Genetics
Johns Hopkins Department of Otolaryngology, Advanced training, 2006, Head and Neck Surgery

Honors & Awards

  • 1999
    Elected Alpha Omega Alpha, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
  • 2005
    Recipient of the Henkel Chief Resident Teacher of the Year Award
  • 2006
    Tilghman Travel Fellowship recipient for training in endoscopic laser surgery
  • 2007/11
    Recipient of the Otolaryngology Faculty Teaching Award
  • 2020
    Excellence in Teaching for Clinical Faculty Award
  • 2020
    The Ernest H. Rosenbaum, MD Commitment to Patient Care Award
  • 2022
    Exceptional Physician Award, UCSF
  • 2022
    Francis A. Sooy, MD Award for Clinical Excellence

Selected Publications

  1. Norouzi A, Johnson K, Avelar K, Civantos A, Ilan A, Durr ML, Patel Y, Paciorek A, Zhang L, Eltawil Y, Alqasieer Y, Kim K, Graham J, Ha P, Chan J, Yom SS, Ross L, Li S, Brodie S, Xu MJ. Post-Radiation Dental Care Access Among Head and Neck Cancer Survivors: A Safety Net Perspective. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2026 Aug; 11(4):e70527.  View on PubMed
  2. Truong AA, Ho S, Apostolova MKI, Lee RH, Wu X, Kang H, El-Sayed IH, George JR, Heaton CM, Likhterov I, Xu MJ, Spitzer MH, Ha PK, Algazi AP, Wai KC. Metastatic Lymph Node Status Is Associated With Progression-Free Survival in Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated With Pembrolizumab. Head Neck. 2026 Jun 18.  View on PubMed
  3. Younan S, Doan P, Xin K, Jiam ML, Ha PK, Wai KC, Jiam NT. Economic Impact of a Deep Learning Algorithm for Automated Head and Neck Surgery Referral Triage. Laryngoscope. 2026 Jun 11.  View on PubMed
  4. Huang SH, Seethala RR, Patel SG, O'Sullivan B, Lydiatt W, Ho AS, Hosni A, Vander Poorten V, Glastonbury CM, Bishop J, Beadle B, Ha P, Kakarala K, Rodriguez CP, Ganly I. ASO Visual Abstract: Key Updates on the Version 9 AJCC/UICC Staging System for Salivary Gland Carcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol. 2026 Jun; 33(6):4964-4965.  View on PubMed
  5. Humtsoe JO, Jones L, Pothukuchi A, Chen K, Na'ara S, Kang H, Ha PK. Potent Anti-Tumor Activity of the AXL-Targeted Antibody-Drug Conjugate, Mipasetamab Uzoptirine (ADCT-601), in Preclinical Models of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther. 2026 May 25; OF1-OF9.  View on PubMed
  6. Howard J, Asad S, Gillard DM, Wai KC, Xu MJ, Likhterov I, George JR, El-Sayed I, Ryan WR, Ha PK, Heaton C. Changes in Time to Diagnosis of HPV+ Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Head Neck. 2026 May 14.  View on PubMed
  7. Truong AA, Ho S, Lee RH, Wu X, Kang H, El-Sayed IH, George JR, Heaton CM, Likhterov I, Xu MJ, Ha PK, Algazi AP, Wai KC. Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio and Survival in Pembrolizumab-Treated Oropharyngeal Cancer. Head Neck. 2026 May 10.  View on PubMed
  8. Humtsoe JO, Jones L, Pothukuchi A, Chen K, Na'ara S, Kang H, Ha PK. Potent anti-tumor activity of the AXL-targeted antibody-drug conjugate, mipasetamab uzoptirine (ADCT-601), in preclinical models of adenoid cystic carcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther. 2026 May 05.  View on PubMed
  9. Zandee van Rilland ED, Fayad LM, Link TM, Davis KW, Wu JS, Brown IP, Chang EY, Chow LC, Desai SC, Fritz J, Gatz JD, Garner HW, Gorbachova T, Gray ML, Gross JA, Guermazi A, Ha PK, Halle TR, Hall MK, Hanna TN, Kornblith AE, Lee MA, Lopez-Ben RR, Mann ED, Moore CL, Obey MR, Osgood GM, Patel ZM, Raja AS, Rendon JM, Sabbatini AK, Tannoury C, Yu JS, Boutin RD. Optimizing Radiography Utilization: Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus Recommendations Endorsed by the Society of Academic Bone Radiologists, Society of Skeletal Radiology, American Society of Emergency Radiology, Orthopaedic Trauma Association, American Academy of Emergency Medicine, and American Rhinologic Society. Radiology. 2026 May; 319(2):e252309.  View on PubMed
  10. Truong AA, Arios JP, Xin K, Jiam ML, Jiam NT, Ha PK, Wai KC. Neural Network Machine Learning for Determining Surgical Appropriateness in Head and Neck Subspecialty Referrals. Ear Nose Throat J. 2026 Apr 07; 1455613261438091.  View on PubMed
  11. Thoidingjam S, Sriramulu S, Muratoglu AH, Brown S, Hassan O, Movsas B, Ali H, Chang S, Ha P, Siddiqui F, Nyati S. AKT, ATR, and Notch Inhibitors Radiosensitize a Preclinical Model of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma. Head Neck. 2026 Apr 01.  View on PubMed
  12. Huang SH, Cotler J, Palis B, Seethala RR, Hosni A, O'Sullivan B, Vander Poorten V, Bishop JA, Glastonbury CM, Beadle B, Ha P, Kakarala K, Rodriguez CP, Su J, Xu W, Alfaraj F, Souied O, Marta GN, Kowalski LP, Mierzwa ML, Ho AS, Eagan A, Madera M, Lydiatt W, Patel SG, Ganly I. Proposed Version Nine of the AJCC and UICC TNM Classification for Salivary Gland Carcinoma. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2026 Apr 01; 152(4):366-375.  View on PubMed
  13. Nkya A, Xu MJ, Philipo GS, Haddadi S, Ng D, Mushi BP, Malango AE, Magorosa EP, Paciorek A, Zhang L, Muya S, Ha P, Liyombo E, Richard E, Massawe W, Palefsky JM, Yom SS, Mmbaga EJ, Van Loon K. Prevalence of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus and Associated Risk Factors Among Individuals With Head and Neck Cancer in a National Referral Center in Tanzania. JCO Glob Oncol. 2026 Mar; 12(3):e2500596.  View on PubMed
  14. Huang SH, Seethala RR, Patel SG, O'Sullivan B, Lydiatt W, Ho AS, Hosni A, Vander Poorten V, Glastonbury CM, Bishop J, Beadle B, Ha P, Kakarala K, Rodriguez CP, Ganly I. Key Updates on the Version 9 AJCC/UICC Staging System for Salivary Gland Carcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol. 2026 Jun; 33(6):4958-4963.  View on PubMed
  15. Correia N, Johnson K, Durr M, Grimes BA, Lazar AA, Sarkar U, Ha PK, Chen L, Wai KC, Likhterov I, Yom SS, Chan JW, Algazi AP, Kang H, Ryan WR, Heaton CM, El-Sayed I, George J, Xu MJ. Timely Matters: Predictors of Delay in Oral Cavity Cancer Patients Across the Care Continuum. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2026 Apr; 11(2):e70363.  View on PubMed
  16. Truong AA, Ho S, Lee RH, Wu X, Kang H, El-Sayed IH, George JR, Heaton CM, Likhterov I, Xu MJ, Ha PK, Algazi AP, Wai KC. Perineural Invasion and Survival in Pembrolizumab-Treated Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Laryngoscope. 2026 05; 136(5):2199-2205.  View on PubMed
  17. Nesmith W, Fakurnejad S, Gillard D, Wai K, Xu MJ, Likhterov I, George J, Ryan W, El-Sayed I, Ha P, Park A, Seth R, Knott PD, Heaton C. Rates of ICU Delirium After Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer Reconstruction of the Oral Cavity and Oropharynx. Head Neck. 2026 05; 48(5):1279-1286.  View on PubMed
  18. Patel N, Johnson K, Chang J, Cai Y, Ha P, Likhterov I. Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Head and Neck Cancer Patients After Primary Treatment: A Review Focused on Oropharyngeal Cancer. Head Neck. 2026 04; 48(4):1031-1039.  View on PubMed
  19. Gencel-Augusto J, Li H, Woerner LC, Tian N, Borah AA, Myers JN, Ha P, Johnson DE, Grandis JR. Human Papilloma Virus Does Not Fully Inactivate p53 Cellular Activity in HNSCC. Head Neck. 2026 03; 48(3):863-875.  View on PubMed
  20. Gulati A, Patel N, Kidane J, Perrin CE, Chan JW, Crosby TW, Young VN, Rosen CA, Yom SS, Ha PK, Schneider SL, Ma Y. Prevalence of Long-Term Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors Not Receiving Dysphagia Treatment. Laryngoscope. 2026 02; 136(2):688-693.  View on PubMed

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