Overview
Dr. Brown’s research focuses on leveraging intratumor innate immunity for cancer immunotherapy, particularly in the context of malignant brain tumors. Dr. Brown's lab uses mouse cancer models, ex vivo human tumor slice culture assays, and clinical trial associated specimens to decode mechanisms by which intratumor innate immune cells control cancer immune surveillance and develop novel in situ vaccine approaches that engage endogenous antitumor T cells. The Brown lab also collaborates with clinicians and other research groups to facilitate the translation of novel therapies, define determinants of successful immunotherapy, and elucidate mechanisms explaining immune dysfunction in patients with cancer.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Assistant Professor in Neurosurgery
·
2022 - Present
Neurosurgery, Neuro-Oncology,
Neurosurgery
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2023 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
The Key LARGO study: Building an international resource for glioblastoma epidemiology
Journal Article Neuro-Oncology Practice · May 28, 2026 AbstractBackgroundDespite decades of epidemiological research, no glioblastoma risk factors have been identified that explain s ... Full text CiteA roadmap to competitive preclinical packages.
Journal Article Nat Med · April 17, 2026 Full text Link to item CiteViral Microglia Reprogramming Clears Oligomeric Neurotoxic Debris.
Preprint · April 8, 2026 Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Therapeutic targeting of SMARCAL1 in therapy-resistant gliomas
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2026 - 2031Epigenetic Programming of T Cells for Enhanced Cellular Immunotherapy
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Cancer Institute · 2024 - 2029Role of ATRX deficiency as a determinant of topoisomerase 1 inhibitor sensitivity in high grade gliomas
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by American Cancer Society, Inc. · 2025 - 2028View All Grants
Education
Duke University ·
2016
Ph.D.