Alex J. Rai, PhD

My research focuses on the identification of biomarker signatures derived from noninvasively collected samples, such as blood and urine, in an effort to better define health and disease states. Over the last several years we have developed and optimized liquid biopsy-based approaches to identify, characterize, and define the utility of novel biomarkers- to obtain clinically relevant information that can be translated into laboratory assays with actionable results that help our doctors make informed decisions and improve patient outcomes. Within the oncology disease space, we are aiming to identify biomarkers that can provide information on risk stratification, to distinguish aggressive from indolent disease, as well as markers that can help to predict a patient’s ability to respond to available therapies. These new tests will initially serve as an adjunct to existing tests, will obviate the need for painful and unnecessary biopsies, detect metastasis in the earliest stages, and allow for the most targeted treatments for cancer patients based on their unique disease and genotype. We strive to provide “precision laboratory medicine” and allow our clinical colleagues to integrate this information within the clinical context of their patients.