In addition to his continuing research on solid tumor cancers, his current research focuses on creating new approaches and mechanisms of actions in antiviral therapies through co-opting virus-specific components of viral replication machinery, on viruses including HBV, influenza, Ebola and HIV.

Dr. Gumrukcu leads a team of renowned scientists at the Seraph Research Institute, which focuses on:

• genetic and intracellular mechanisms that contribute to the resistance or long-term control of HIV
• basic hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) biology and its changes in the event of gene modification
• clonal characteristics and clinical safety profile of gene-modified HSPCs
• mechanisms that contribute to graft-versus-tumor, graft-versus-leukemia or graft-versus-virus effects in allogeneic cell stem cell transplant and adoptive cell therapy models
• developing novel gene therapy methods and clinical protocols for cancer, HIV, and rare genetic diseases, especially enzyme deficiency disorders
• investigating safer, less toxic autologous HSPC transplant methods for patients with nonmalignant diseases
• studying viral replication machinery to develop gene therapies that develop novel molecular host defense mechanisms
• developing novel gene and cell therapy protocols to induce rapid disease-specific humoral and cellular immune response in chronic infectious diseases

Through his studies and work in immunotherapy for cancer and HIV patients, Dr. Gumrukcu has helped develop groundbreaking treatment protocols that not only help to fight disease but also assist with regulating and harnessing the body’s own immune system. His most recent studies are opening up an uncharted field in molecular virology and antiviral research, with potential clinical implications in pursuit of cures for chronic viral infections.

Dr. Gumrukcu and his scientific team have pioneered multiple breakthroughs in the field of regenerative medicine for patients suffering from traumatic or chronic degenerative diseases, including cerebral palsy, stroke, brain and spinal injuries causing paralysis, degenerative eye (optic nerve or retina) diseases resulting in blindness, as well as autoimmune and chronic degenerative diseases like MS, Myasthenia Gravis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and many others medical conditions that are impacted and/or exacerbated by a malfunctioning immune system.

Today Dr. Gumrukcu provides his expertise and years of experience to help further strengthen the customized treatment programs created by the Seraph Medical team, lead by Phillip Musikanth MD.

The entire Seraph Medical team understands that every patient is different. While some medical labels might apply, the condition of the entire body is as unique as the patient. Thus the treatment plan also needs to be created for the precise needs of that patient, using a combination of effective protocols that function together – like an orchestra all playing at once, to battle the disease and heal the body. 

Dr. Gumrukcu regards, “Science as a physician’s tool and not the other way around – and recognizes that not every patient fits into a pattern described in a medical textbook.” He also fully comprehends and supports the Seraph Medical team’s commitment to embracing the unique complexities involved in each patient’s individual case. In providing his expertise to the team approach at Seraph Medical, Dr. Serhat champions the notion that “Success is not about belief, it is about knowledge.”

He is a  valued member of American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), International AIDS Society (IAS), HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA), and American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) where he serves at Cancer Cell & Gene Therapy Committee and Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Committee.

When he isn’t at Seraph Medical, Dr. Gumrukcu enjoys traveling, art, and philosophy. He is also an exceptional tango dancer and is a voracious reader of scientific medical dissertations.