Our Molecular Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, part of The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke,  aims to identify and explore the role of critical genetic alterations in high grade brain tumorigenesis.  High grade brain tumors, such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are the most common primary brain tumors encountered by neurosurgeons and typically have dismal outcomes despite aggressive surgical, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments. 

 

In the case of GBM, patients who successfully undergo standard of care therapies have a median survival of only about 1 year.  In our laboratory, we use state-of-the-art genome-wide screening techniques such as digital karyotyping, large-scale gene microarrays, and on-line genomic tools to identify novel genetic alterations.  These techniques often identify oncogene or tumor suppressor gene candidates that need further study.  These genetic alterations and associated intracellular signaling pathways are then explored in a myriad of brain tumor in vitro and in vivo models to better characterize important pathways that can be genetically or pharmacologically targeted in order to design therapeutic approaches.