Dr. Jeffrey Schlom directs a translational research program at the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health in which the latest advances in molecular biology and immunology are used to design and develop a range of potential novel immunotherapeutic approaches for a variety of human cancers. His most recent work involves the development of novel vaccine strategies, and the design and development of recombinant vaccines using cloned and modified tumor associated antigen genes, T-cell costimulatory molecules, cytokines, and novel recombinant vectors. Dr. Schlom is Chief of the Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, NCI, NIH, and Professor (Adjunct) at the George Washington University Department of Genetics and Institute of Biomedical Sciences.

Dr. Schlom’s early studies at the National Cancer Institute involved the characterization of the newly discovered reverse transcriptase enzyme from both retroviruses (RNA tumor viruses) and tumor tissues. His comprehensive studies on the use of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies to target carcinoma lesions in situ, both in animal models and clinical trials, led to new modalities of monoclonal antibody-targeted tumor detection and therapy.

Dr. Schlom received his B.S. from Ohio State University in 1964, his M.S. from Adelphi University in 1966, and his Ph.D. in 1969 from the Waksman Institute of Microbiology at Rutgers University. In addition, he has authored more than 500 scientific publications and holds numerous patents for monoclonal antibody and recombinant vaccine generation and uses. Dr. Schlom currently serves on the editorial boards of nine scientific journals. He is the recipient of a number of scientific awards.