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Margaret Johnson

Associate Professor of Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery
047 Baker House, Trent Drive, Box 3624, Durham, NC 27710
047 Baker House, Trent Drive, Box 3624, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


I am a neuro-oncologist, neurologist, and palliative care physician at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center. I also provide neuro-oncology expertise for the National Tele-Oncology Program and National Precision Oncology Program at the Veteran's Health Administration. My clinical and research interests encompass supportive care and palliative care with a special interest in older adults with brain tumors. The incidence of malignant brain tumors like glioblastoma and non-malignant tumors like meningioma affect aging populations and it is crucial to be able to provide better care for these patients.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor of Neurosurgery · 2025 - Present Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery
Associate Professor in Neurology · 2025 - Present Neurology, General & Community Neurology, Neurology
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 2018 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers

Recent Publications


A surgical window of opportunity trial evaluating the effect of the PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab on tumoral MHC-I expression and CD8+ infiltration in glioma.

Journal Article Sci Rep · October 23, 2025 Many cancers evade immunosurveillance by downregulating surface major histocompatibility class (MHC)-I. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) promotes MHC-I degradation and is elevated in glioma. Evolocumab is a clinically approved PCSK9 in ... Full text Link to item Cite

Comparing Knowledge and Perceptions of Palliative Care Among Neuro-Oncology Patients, Caregivers, and Providers to a Representative U.S. Sample

Conference American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine · September 1, 2025 Background: Primary brain tumors (PBTs) pose a significant health challenge, affecting patients and their caregivers. While early integration of palliative care (PC) has shown benefits in advanced cancer, its integration for PBT patients, particularly glio ... Full text Cite

Comparing Knowledge and Perceptions of Palliative Care Among Neuro-Oncology Patients, Caregivers, and Providers to a Representative U.S. Sample.

Journal Article Am J Hosp Palliat Care · September 2025 BackgroundPrimary brain tumors (PBTs) pose a significant health challenge, affecting patients and their caregivers. While early integration of palliative care (PC) has shown benefits in advanced cancer, its integration for PBT patients, particularly gliobl ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Education, Training & Certifications


Tulane University, School of Medicine · 2011 M.D.
The George Washington University · 2006 M.P.H.
Northwestern University · 2001 B.A.