Overview
The research work in my laboratory focuses on identifying novel immunotherapeutic targets for the treatment of brain tumors, specifically glioblastoma (GBM). My previous work includes the development of the dual-specific immunotoxin (IT) D2C7-IT, which is currently in Phase I clinical trials in recurrent GBM (rGBM) patients. My current research seeks to identify novel strategies to enhance the efficacy of D2C7-IT and other GBM-targeted cytotoxic therapies. In conjunction with this, my research includes the investigation of immune-related biomarkers to predict the clinical outcome of D2C7-IT therapy in patients with GBM.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Associate Professor in Neurosurgery
·
2021 - Present
Neurosurgery, Neuro-Oncology,
Neurosurgery
Associate Professor in Pathology
·
2020 - Present
Pathology,
Clinical Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2015 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Anti-VEGF vascular remodeling drives germinal center B cell-rich tertiary lymphoid structures during antibody-toxin and anti-CD40 combination therapy in glioblastoma.
Preprint · April 17, 2026 Full text Link to item CiteCTIM-30. INVESTIGATION OF THE COMBINATION OF D2C7-IT WITH AN FC-ENGINEERED ANTI-HUMANCD40 MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY (2141-V11) WHEN ADMINISTERED INTRATUMORALLY VIA CONVECTION-ENHANCED DELIVERY (CED) FOLLOWED BY CERVICAL PERILYMPHATIC INJECTIONS (CPLIS) OF 2141-V11 COMPARED TO D2C7-IT CED MONOTHERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH RECURRENT GLIOBLASTOMA (RGBM)
Conference Neuro-Oncology · November 11, 2025 AbstractBACKGROUNDWhen administered via CED in glioma models, D2C7-IT, an antibody toxin conjugate, combined with an anti-mouse ... Full text CiteTIP-27. An assessment of the Tumor Monorail Device (TMD) for repeated sampling as part of a trial evaluating the combination of D2C7-IT and an Fc-engineered anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody (2141-V11) administered intratumorally via convection-enhanced delivery (CED) and cervical perilymphatic injections (CPLIs) of 2141-V11 in recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM) patients
Conference Neuro-Oncology · November 11, 2025 AbstractBACKGROUNDThe TMD is a surgically implanted catheter system that remains in place after tumor resection. The TMD is not ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Inflammasomes - a driver of sexual dimorphism to glioma therapies
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2025 - 2030Comparison of convection enhanced delivery systems in a clinical study of recurrent Grade 3-4 glioma patients
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by CreoSalus · 2025 - 2027PRECLINICAL THERAPEUTIC SCREENING FOR NEW THERAPIES FOR GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME
ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by Jewish Communal Fund · 2007 - 2026View All Grants
Education
North Carolina State University ·
2020
M.B.A.
Boston University ·
2006
Ph.D.