The Stanford Neuro-Oncology Program News and Events
How the brain helps cancers grow
PODCAST: Stanford neuro-oncologist Michelle Monje, MD, PhD explains how many deadly tumors depend on the nervous system’s electrical activity to grow and spread, presenting an exciting new line of attack for oncology research.
2023 Paul Marks Prize
Michelle Monje, MD, PhD is one of the 2023 winners of The Paul Marks Prize for Cancer Research. This prize recognizes a new generation of leaders in cancer research who are making significant contributions to the understanding of cancer or are improving the treatment of the disease through basic or clinical research. The prize is intended to encourage young investigators who have a unique opportunity to help shape the future of cancer research. Congratulations, Dr. Monje!
Neurooncologist Reena Thomas receives CIRM award of nearly $12 million for immunotherapy research
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has awarded nearly $12 million to Reena Thomas, MD, PhD, clinical associate professor of neurology and the neurological sciences, for a phase 1 clinical trial to assess the safety of a CAR-T cell immunotherapy for glioblastoma multiforme, the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults.
NIH U19 grant award
Congratulations to Drs. Michelle Monje, Mike Lim, and Reena Thomas for their successful U19 grant award from the NIH. In a collaborative effort with the Harvard brain tumor program, this grant will allow for the evaluation of multiple novel therapeutics for patients afflicted by glioblastoma brain tumors.
Brains and Heart
Neurologist Michelle Monje harnesses passion and purpose as she works to cure a devastating childhood cancer.
From loss comes hope: Pediatric brain tumor treatment shows promise
Research from early clinical trials of pediatric glioma patients shows that altered immune cells can fight the deadly brainstem tumor.
Neuroscientist Michelle Monje awarded MacArthur 'genius grant'
The neuroscientist and pediatric neuro-oncologist is being recognized for her work to understand healthy brain development and create therapies for a group of lethal brain tumors.
Stanford’s Rhiju Das, Michelle Monje and Kristy Red-Horse announced as Howard Hughes investigators
Stanford University researchers who study three-dimensional structures of biological molecules, aggressive brain cancers and how to heal diseased hearts are among 33 scientists from 21 institutions announced as new Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigators. The Stanford faculty members are Kristy Red-Horse, associate professor of biology at the School of Humanities and Sciences, Rhiju Das, associate professor of biochemistry, and Michelle Monje, associate professor of neurology.
National Academy of Medicine Elects 100 New Members
Michelle Monje, MD, PhD was elected as a NAM member - considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health & medicine recognizing individuals who demonstrate outstanding professional achievement & commitment to service.
Cancer cells have ‘unsettling’ ability to hijack the brain’s nerves
Tumour cells can plug into — and feed off — the brain’s complex network of neurons, according to a trio of studies. This nefarious ability could explain the mysterious behaviour of certain tumours, and point to new ways of treating cancer.
Deadly Brain Cancers Act Like 'Vampires' By Hijacking Normal Cells To Grow
Researchers are beginning to understand why certain brain cancers are so hard to stop. Three studies published in the journal Nature found that these deadly tumors integrate themselves into the brain's electrical network and then hijack signals from healthy nerve cells to fuel their own growth.
Brain tumors form synapses with healthy neurons, study finds
Scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine have shown for the first time that severe brain cancers integrate into the brain's wiring.
The consummate neuro-oncologist
Michelle Monje’s teenage project to aid the disabled led her to neurology and a research career that’s bringing new hope for the treatment of childhood brain cancers and the mind-fog caused by chemotherapy.
Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE)
Congratulations to Michelle Monje, MD, PhD on receiving the PECASE. The PECASE is the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government to outstanding scientists and engineers who are beginning their independent research careers and who show exceptional promise for leadership in science and technology.
Breadth of student research showcased at annual symposium
Sixty medical students presented a broad array of projects at this year’s medical student research symposium. Med Scholars mentor, Reena Thomas, MD, PhD, clinical assistant professor of neurology and neurological sciences, discusses how supporting students is one of her favorite aspects of the work.
‘Chemo brain’ caused by malfunction in three types of brain cells
Three types of cells in the brain’s white matter show interwoven problems during the cognitive dysfunction that follows treatment with the cancer drug methotrexate, Stanford neuroscientists have found.
Medical students showcase research accomplishments
Guided by Reena Thomas, MD, PhD, clinical assistant professor of neurology and neurological sciences and of neurosurgery, second-year medical student Judith Pelpola investigated therapies to reduce the recurrence of glioblastoma.
Altered immune cells clear childhood brain tumor in mice
In mice, a fatal brainstem tumor was cleared by injecting it with engineered T cells that recognized the cancer and targeted it for destruction. The Stanford discovery is moving to human trials.
2019 Annual Meeting, Society for Neuro Oncology: Stanford Brain Tumor Center Reunion Dinner
Stanford Brain Tumor Center reunion dinner at the Society for Neuro Oncology annual meeting in New Orleans 2018