About the Towe Research Laboratory
The Towe Research Laboratory at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine is dedicated to advancing thoracic surgery through outcomes research, clinical innovation, and surgical education. Led by Dr. Christopher W. Towe, Charles A. Hubay Chair in Surgery and Professor of Surgery, our laboratory focuses on improving patient care through data-driven discovery and translational research.
Principal Investigator
Dr. Christopher W. Towe is a thoracic surgeon and clinical researcher at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, where he holds the Charles A. Hubay, MD, Chair in Surgery. As Professor of Surgery at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Dr. Towe leads efforts to advance minimally invasive and robotic thoracic surgery while improving patient outcomes through data-driven research.
Dr. Towe's clinical expertise focuses on complex chest wall reconstructions, lung cancer surgery, and innovative pain management techniques. He directs the UH System Robotic Steering Committee and the Lung Nodule Center at UH Parma Medical Center, emphasizing early detection and comprehensive care for thoracic conditions.
As Director of UH-RISES (Research in Surgical Outcomes & Effectiveness Center), Dr. Towe mentors medical students, residents, and fellows in outcomes-based research. His work leverages national databases including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Database and the National Cancer Database to identify best practices and shape clinical guidelines. With over 140 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Towe's research has influenced national standards in thoracic surgery and contributed to advancements in perioperative care, surgical techniques, and cancer outcomes.
Research Focus
Our laboratory specializes in surgical outcomes research, leveraging large national databases including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Database and the National Cancer Database. Primary research areas include:
- Lung cancer surgical outcomes and perioperative optimization
- Minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques
- Chest wall reconstruction and trauma
- Pain management strategies in thoracic surgery
- Healthcare disparities in access to surgical care
With over 140 peer-reviewed publications, our work has influenced national clinical guidelines and surgical practice standards, including contributions to chest wall injury management protocols and sublobar resection criteria for early-stage lung cancer.
Training Program: UH-RISES
As Director of UH-RISES (Research in Surgical Outcomes & Effectiveness Center), Dr. Towe leads a structured research training program for medical students, surgical residents, and thoracic surgery fellows. The program emphasizes mentorship in database research, manuscript development, and presentation skills. Our trainees have co-authored over 75 peer-reviewed publications, with many pursuing academic careers in surgery. The laboratory provides a collaborative environment where trainees work alongside faculty on projects that directly impact clinical practice.
Clinical Translation
Laboratory findings directly inform clinical practice through Dr. Towe's roles as Director of the UH System Robotic Steering Committee and the Lung Nodule Center at UH Parma Medical Center. These leadership positions enable rapid translation of research discoveries into improved patient care protocols and surgical innovation.
Collaborative Network
Our laboratory maintains active collaborations across Cleveland's academic medical centers and participates in national research consortia through the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the Chest Wall Injury Society. Dr. Towe serves on editorial boards for Annals of Surgical Oncology and Pearson's General Thoracic Surgery, positioning our work at the forefront of thoracic surgical research.