Brain Tumor Research Program
A multidisciplinary collaboration
working to cure brain tumors
- Departments, Labs and Institutes
- Research Centers and Programs
- Brain Tumor Research Program
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 intensity-modulated proton therapy
- Stereotactic radiosurgery for brain (Gamma Knife®) and spine tumors
- Innovative surgical technologies and decision-making
Quality of life and cognitive function
- Understanding the effects of whole brain radiation therapy for brain metastases
- Chemobrain
Brain Tumor Research Program members participate in several high-profile projects, including:
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National Institutes of Health
Brain Cancer SPORE
A Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), for the study of new brain tumor treatments. As one of the few cancer centers in the nation to house such an award, we are able to offer patients participation in a range of unique clinical trials.
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NCI and National Human Genome Research Institute
The Cancer Genome Atlas Opens a new window
A program funded by NCI and the National Human Genome Research Institute to accelerate the understanding of the genetics of cancer. Brain Tumor Research Program funding is used to supply additional support to priority projects, allowing them to become more productive.
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National Brain Tumor Society
Defeat GBM Research Collaborative Opens a new window
A subsidiary of the National Brain Tumor Society that aims to double the five-year survival of glioblastoma patients through a commitment to true collaboration across disciplines and institutions.