Dr. Xu's laboratory has been working on tumor-targeted delivery of molecular cancer therapeutics using novel nanotechnology. A self-assembled, virus-mimicking, non-viral nanovector for systemic p53 gene therapy has shown promise in chemo- and radiosensitization of breast, prostate, head and neck cancer, is now in Phase I clinical trial. Dr. Xu's laboratory has been involved in discovering novel small-molecule cancer therapeutics targeting cell death pathways, especially for cancer cell radiosensitization and chemosensitization by molecular modulation of anti-apoptotic proteins. Multiple US and International Patents are issued or pending. One of the first lead compounds tested extensively in vitro and in vivo in his laboratory has entered Phase I-II clinical trials as the World's first small-molecule inhibitor of Bcl-2/Bcl-xL in clinic. Currently, Dr. Xu is using his patented nanovector for tumor-targeted delivery of siRNA-based therapeutics and novel small-molecule therapeutics. His lab is also working with University of Michigan Cancer Stem Cell Group to explore next generation nanovectors for targeting cancer stem cells.