Brain Tumor Research Program
Working to cure brain tumors
Research Areas
- Brain and CNS Tumor
- Immunotherapy
- Immunology
The Brain Tumor Research Program (within the Brain Tumor Center) is a multidisciplinary program that promotes collaborations among its members for laboratory and clinical research and treatment strategies for brain, skull base and spinal tumors. This program spans 22 departments and involves more than 100 research and clinical scientists who focus on discovering the molecular changes that drive brain and spinal tumors and developing effective new treatments for these devastating tumors. The Brain Tumor Research Program supports interactions among its diverse group by sponsoring scientific retreats, meetings, training opportunities and collaborative projects.
Brain Tumor Research Topics
Brain cancer genetics and mechanisms of growth
- Cancer genomics to read specific molecular signatures
- Mechanisms that drive tumor origin and progression, including stem cells, tumor microenvironment, metabolism, DNA repair mechanisms and signaling pathways
- Molecular drivers of brain metastasis
New therapies for brain cancer
- Biological therapies that target glioblastoma, including oncolytic virus DNX-2401 (formerly known as Delta-24)
- Immunotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors for primary and metastatic brain tumors
- Central nervous system drug development and selection, targeting tumor cell abnormalities to discover, test and develop a broad spectrum of anti-glioma agents
Advanced treatment options
- Targeted therapies aimed at tumor-specific molecular subtypes
- Diagnostic and therapeutic radiation advances, such as proton therapy and
- Stereotactic radiosurgery for brain (Gamma Knife?) and spine tumors
- and decision-making
Quality of life and cognitive function
- Understanding the effects of whole brain radiation therapy for brain metastases
Academic Year 2025 Priority Objectives
1. Develop, Attract and Retain Top Talent. Leaders: Jian Hu, Ph.D., Kadir C. Akdemir, Ph.D., Chibawanye Ene, M.D., Ph.D., Christina Abi Faraj, M.D., Elizabeth Hileman, Ph.D.
2. Submit Multi-PI Grants.?Leaders: Jason Huse, M.D., Ph.D., Fred Lang, M.D., Greg Buchold, Ph.D., Preeti Ramadoss, Ph.D., Joseph McCarty, Ph.D.
3. Optimize Clinical Trial Portfolio.?Leaders: Nazanin Majd, M.D., Ph.D., Vinay Puduvalli, M.D., Chetna Wathoo, M.D., Pushan Dasgupta, M.D., Ph.D., Debra N. Yeboa, M.D., Sherise Ferguson, M.D., Subha Perni, M.D.