Our laboratory focuses on developing next-generation brain tumor vaccines to harness and amplify the body’s own immune response against brain tumors. These vaccines are designed to “train” the immune system to recognize and eliminate tumor cells more effectively. We are pursuing two complementary strategies: personalized neoantigen-based vaccines tailored to each patient’s unique tumor profile, and innovative Fusokine-based vaccines that broadly enhance immune activation. Our work integrates in vivo modeling with computational approaches—including next-generation sequencing and machine learning—to optimize vaccine design and predict therapeutic response. The overarching goal is to create personalized immunotherapies that can be combined with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy to achieve more durable tumor control and improved patient outcomes.

Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) occurs when cancer cells spread to the delicate membranes covering the brain and spinal cord and circulate within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This complication is most often seen in patients with advanced breast cancer and carries a poor prognosis, with median survival of only three to five months. Current treatments, such as craniospinal external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), provide limited benefit and are associated with significant toxicity. Our laboratory is investigating targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) as a more precise and effective approach. By delivering therapeutic radiation directly to tumor cells while sparing healthy tissues, TRT has the potential to improve survival and reduce neurological side effects for patients with LM.

A central mission of our laboratory is to educate and inspire the next generation of physician-scientists and translational researchers. We provide hands-on research training that bridges the disciplines of neuroscience, oncology, and molecular therapeutics, emphasizing both scientific rigor and clinical relevance. Trainees at all levels—from undergraduate and medical students to residents and postdoctoral fellows—are encouraged to think creatively, pursue impactful questions, and develop the skills needed to lead in academic medicine. Through mentorship, collaboration, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies, we aim to cultivate future leaders who will advance the science and practice of neuro-oncology and neurosurgery.