Marilene Wang, M.D.

Research Interest Dr. Wang has a research laboratory whose focus is to explore the molecular basis for the development and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Advanced head and neck cancer carries a poor prognosis, and a goal of this lab is to search for more effective and less toxic treatments for this devastating disease. Current projects: 1. Curcumin suppression of head and neck cancer. Curcumin, also known as turmeric, is a naturally occurring plant phenol that is a commonly used spice. Dr. Wang's laboratory has found that curcumin treatment of HNSCC both in vitro and in vivo results in significant suppression of cancer growth. 2. Stem cells in head and neck cancer. A specific population of tumor-initiating cells, or tumor stem cells, is responsible for the uncontrolled growth of cancers, as well as their resistance to chemotherapy and radiation. Dr. Wang's laboratory has found that the population of CD44 positive cells within HNSCCs, when isolated, grows more quickly and is more resistant to cisplatin than CD44 negative cells. HNSCC stem cells can be targetted for treatment with curcumin, which because of its alternate mechanism of action compared to cisplatin, may inhibit growth of these stem cells. Dr. Wang has funding from the National Cancer Institute/National Institutes of Health for her research. Additional Information Marilene B. Wang is a head and neck surgeon who has been a faculty member of the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at UCLA School of Medicine since 1992. She is currently a Professor and is also Chief of Otolaryngology for the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. Dr. Wang earned her B.A. in Mathematics with highest honors at La Sierra University, Riverside, CA in 1982. She earned her M.D. at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA in 1986 and graduated first in her class of 134. She completed her residency in Head and Neck Surgery at UCLA in 1992. She won the First Place Award in Resident Clinical Research from the American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery in 1991. She was a recipient of a Research Training Award from the American Triological Society in 1993. Dr. Wang was given an Honor Award from the American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery in 2001. She was a member of the Faculty Executive Committee at the School of Medicine from 1998-2001. She is currently a member of the Advisory Board for the College of Applied Anatomy for the School of Medicine, a Well-being Advisor, and a member of the Council of Advisors for UCLA Faculty Diversity and Development. She is committed to medical student and resident education both in the clinical setting and in the laboratory. She has mentored many students and residents in her head and neck cancer research laboratory, and several have won prestigious awards for their projects in the laboratory, including the Shirley Baron Award from the Western Section of the Triological Society, a Basic Science Award for resident research from the American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, and a First Place Award for the Poster Session of the Triological Society. She specializes in treatment of nasal and sinus diseases, head and neck cancer, thyroid/parathyroid disease, and snoring/sleep apnea. She utilizes minimally invasive endoscopic techniques for sinus surgery and removal of sinonasal tumors, including endoscopic removal of juvenile nasal angiofibromas, inverting papillomas, and selected malignancies. She also is active in the Pituitary Tumor and Endosopic Neurosurgery Programs. Professional Memberships The American College of Surgeons The American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery The American Board of Otolaryngology The American Association for Cancer Research Society of University Otolaryngolgists American Head and Neck Society The Triological Society Academic and Medical Staff Appointments Professor-in-Residence, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Chief, Head and Neck Surgery Section, Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System