Greehey CCRI ZOOMinar Series Presents: Patrick J. Grohar, MD, PhD – CHOP

Patrick J. Grohar, MD, PhD. is a pediatric oncologist and physician-scientist focused on the development of novel molecularly targeted therapies for pediatric solid tumors. After completing a B.S. in Chemistry at Villanova University, Dr. Grohar went on to complete both the MD and PhD degrees at Wayne State University. He completed pediatric training and a fellowship in hematology-oncology at Johns Hopkins University and the National Institutes of Health. He held faculty appointments at Vanderbilt University and the Van Andel Institute prior to his arrival at CHOP as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and director of translational research within the Center for Childhood Cancer Research.

The Grohar Laboratory employs a bench to bedside and back again approach to develop targeted therapies for pediatric solid tumors. The laboratory has focused primarily on the therapeutic targeting of the EWS-FLI1 transcription factor for Ewing sarcoma.  EWS-FLI1 is the clear oncogenic driver of Ewing sarcoma but a challenging drug target. Our laboratory has employed a number of complementary approaches to directly target EWS-FLI1, develop targeted combination therapies, and identify novel drug targets. We have a number of studies in various stages of clinical translation. More recently, we have employed similar approaches to develop targeted therapies focused on other pediatric solid tumors that are dependent on similar drug targets and are characterized by few other somatic mutations.

Dr. Grohar is recognized for his work in Ewing sarcoma. He holds leadership positions within the Center for Childhood Cancer Research at CHOP and nationally within the Children’s Oncology Group. He is the Vice-Chair for Biology of the Bone Tumor Committee, Co-Chair of Combined Sarcoma Biology Committee, and Chair of the Ewing Sarcoma Biology Committee. He is a Principle Investigator with the Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration. He serves as an ad hoc journal for multiple journals, the National Institutes of Health and for the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).

Patrick J. Grohar, MD, PhD - CHOP Profile

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Since 2004, UT Health San Antonio, Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute’s (Greehey CCRI) mission has been to advance scientific knowledge relevant to childhood cancer, contribute to the understanding of its causes, and accelerate the translation of knowledge into novel therapies. Through discovery, development, and dissemination of new scientific knowledge, Greehey CCRI strives to have a national and global impact on childhood cancer. Our mission consists of three key areas — research, clinical, and education.

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