Francine Blei, MD
Stephen M. Warren, MD
Barry M. Zide, MD
The Vascular Anomalies Center at New York University conducts research that may lead to the development of new, more effective therapies and perhaps ultimately result in ways to prevent vascular anomalies. Basic vascular biology and angiogenesis research is conducted in the IRPS Laboratories headed by Dr. Stephen Warren, MD. Currently, the laboratory is investigating the mechanisms that trigger or initiate the formation of hemangiomas and vascular malformations.
Clinical research conducted by investigators in the Vascular Anomalies Center has resulted in new, more effective treatments. For example, the center's investigators were the first to use interferon alpha in the treatment of children with large life- or vision-threatening hemangiomas. Interferon and other chemotherapeutic and antiangiogenic drugs are used by the dermatologist-oncologist on the VAC team. Dr. Zide has described a simple technique for removal of nasal tip hemangiomas leaving a scar that is designed to along the normal borders of the nose. In addition, Dr. Blei has described the prenatal diagnosis of vascular anomalies, obstetrical management of children with vascular malformations, management of ophthalmic hemangiomas, as well as the genetic mapping of a novel familial form of infantile hemangiomas.
