University of Cincinnati Brain Tumor Center

The Brain Tumor Center integrates the research and translational activities of an interdisciplinary team of clinicians and scientists from across the University of Cincinnati and its neighboring institutions. Our mission is to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for tumors that arise in the brain as well as tumors that have spread (metastasized) to the brain.

Cancers that we investigate

Malignant primary brain cancers grow from the cells found in the brain, affecting patients of all ages from birth. Our researchers are dedicated to investigating the biology of these tumors including glioblastoma, medulloblastoma, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and more.

Cancers of the lung, breast, melanoma, and kidneys have a propensity to metastasize and grow in the brain. Researchers in the Brain Tumor Center specialize in the tumors that grow in these tissue types to learn how to counteract the cancer properties that allow these cells to spread to the brain.

Research Disciplines

Research in the Brain Tumor Center covers the spectrum from mechanistic discovery to translational delivery. Highlights include:

• Cancer genome vulnerabilities and targeted therapeutics.
• Tumor cell metabolism.
• Immune-cancer cell interactions.
• Tumor Modeling and Patient-derived xenografts.
• Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR Imaging).
• Brain vascularization and drug pharmacokinetics.

Research Support and Membership

The UC Brain Center organizes research grants for members including:

• Pilot grants to research new concepts in brain tumor biology and/or therapy.
• Boost grants to accelerate ongoing research projects poised for successful applications for outside funding.
• Clinical trial grants to bring new drugs to clinical trial.

Community Support

UC Brain Tumor Center Research is generously supported by major annual fundraising events led by committed members of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky community. The WalkAhead for a Brain Tumor Cure is an inspirational 5K walk/run held in October of every year, with over 2,000 participants including former patients and their families. The annual Wine Tasting event includes opportunities to taste new releases as well as classic vintages. Other offerings from select caterers, breweries and distilleries are represented as well!