Division of Neuro-Oncology Research
Advancing the Landscape of Neuro-Oncology Care
The Montefiore Einstein Division of Neuro-Oncology’s research goal is to discover innovative, well-tolerated treatments aimed at extending patient survival and preventing tumor recurrence. Our expert research team utilizes precision medicine to provide personalized, cutting-edge immunotherapeutic interventions. This includes pioneering personalized vaccines for treatment and utilizing new drugs designed to empower the patient’s own immune system to fight the tumor.
Areas of Concentration
Immunotherapy represents a groundbreaking advancement in cancer treatment, and our team of experts is passionately engaged in harnessing its potential for brain tumor therapy. Our areas of focus include:
Cancer Vaccines Development: We are pioneering the development of vaccines specifically designed to target brain tumors, aiming to turn the tide in the fight against this formidable disease.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibition: We are exploring the synergies between immune checkpoint inhibitors and other targeted therapies to unlock new avenues of treatment.
Understanding Response and Resistance: Our team is identifying genetic, molecular, and cellular signatures that predict how a tumor will respond or resist immunotherapy.
Investigating Auto-Immunity: We are delving into the complex interplay between cancer and auto-immunity, seeking to understand how these dynamics can be leveraged for therapeutic gain.
Cancer Neuroscience: Our research extends into the realm of cancer neuroscience, and unravels the intricate connections between brain tumors and the nervous system.
Current Projects
Division of Neuro-Oncology researchers advanced the scientific landscape including the development of personalized neoantigen vaccines to treat brain cancer, host tissue determinants of immunity and clinical response in glioblastoma and the effectiveness of pulsing dendritic cells with long synthetic peptides utilizing TCR-selective engagers for T cell activation.
Clinical trials include a study to determine whether the use of precision medicine in the form of a vaccine, in combination with standard care treatment of glioblastoma (GBM) and Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields), is well tolerated and safe, and a a study to determine whether treatment with ONC201, following frontline radiotherapy, will extend overall survival and progression-free survival.
