Research in Neuro-Oncology

Research in the Department of Neuro-Oncology focuses on translating laboratory findings into clinical studies to offer new, more effective therapies for CNS tumors. Improvements in survival rates and quality of life for brain tumor patients will depend on extending our understanding of the genetic abnormalities and molecular events responsible for the development, progression and spread of brain tumors, in order to develop new and more effective treatment options.

The Section of Experimental Neuro-Oncology has assembled researchers recognized for their expertise in many of the areas implicated in brain tumor development and progression. These researchers work in close collaboration with neuro-oncology physician-scientists. Together, they integrate clinical observations and laboratory discoveries into treatment innovations. Most of the financial support for the 15 faculty members engaged in laboratory research comes from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) through federally funded and monitored P01, U19 and R01 grants.

Neuro-Oncology faculty participate in a Brain Cancer SPORE (Specialized Program of Research Excellence). This SPORE reflects a robust translational research program that is designed to bring laboratory findings quickly to clinical application, and to understand responses in the clinical setting at the molecular and cellular level, so that treatments may be refined and made more effective. The Brain Cancer SPORE emphasizes innovative brain tumor treatments that rationally combine agents to target known tumor cell mutations, and also bases judgments on tumor diagnosis and response to therapy on molecular changes within the tumor cell. Improvements in molecular diagnosis will allow treatment choices to be based on unique molecular profiles, and will allow patients to receive the therapy most likely to benefit them and permit early evaluation of response to targeted treatment.

In the Section of Clinical Neuro-Oncology, many of the 13 faculty members who treat patients with brain tumors also conduct laboratory research. They use knowledge gained in the laboratory to develop innovative therapies for brain tumors, and also to treat the neurologic effects of cancer. Four neuropsychologists investigate and treat the neurocognitive effects of cancer and its treatments. Clinical trials in the department, supported by NCI grants as well as contracts with pharmaceutical companies, are conducted according to stringent controls to ensure patient safety while improving survival and quality of life.