When people with a primary brain tumor see me, they are often worried about what type of tumor they have and the next steps. “How fast is the tumor growing?” “What treatments are available for this type of brain cancer?” and “How well will treatment work?” are some of the most common questions that I hear.
Receiving a brain cancer diagnosis is always difficult. I remind my patients that they have the support not only of myself, but of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) team as a whole. They help me make the correct diagnosis, understand cancer risk for family members, and perform and review specialized imaging tests. We work together to deliver state-of-the-art neurosurgical or radiation treatments, address medical conditions associated with brain tumors or their treatment (such as seizures, blood clots, or cognitive and behavioral changes), give neurological and physical rehabilitation when needed, and address other needs to help get you back to the activities you most care about. The breadth and depth of expertise within MSK’s brain tumor management team is truly exceptional; it allows us to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
If the best treatment is available through a clinical trial, I help patients understand what to expect. I believe in using clear, honest communication to build a foundation of trust. I strive to provide understanding, empathy, and specialized treatment that is tailored to each patient’s unique background and goals.
I, like so many of my colleagues at MSK, have dedicated my life to caring for people with cancer. My research focuses on the discovery and development of more effective and less toxic anticancer treatments. During my oncology training at the University of California, Los Angeles, I witnessed the first breakthroughs with drugs that target very specific mutations in cancer cells. My laboratory studies how certain genetic alterations in tumor cells allow them to grow but may also create a vulnerability that could be exploited for the treatment of these tumors.
Our laboratory studies in experimental models are often linked to our evaluation of new treatment approaches in patients, including an examination of tumor biopsies and cerebrospinal fluid. Our research on isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutated glioma, for example, started over a decade ago with experiments in cell lines. This work culminated in a phase 3 study called the “INDIGO” trial. Results showed that a new IDH inhibitor called vorasidenib reduces tumor growth and delays the need for more toxic therapies in people with IDH-mutant, low-grade glioma.
In addition to providing patient care and conducting research, I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of physicians and scientists during our work together in the clinic, in the laboratory, and through MSK’s exceptional training programs for postdocs, graduate students, undergraduate students, and high school students.
