Dr. Jeffrey Bruce, Director of the Bartoli Brain Tumor Research Laboratory, focuses his efforts on three principal areas of brain tumor research: mechanisms of tumorigenesis, novel therapeutic approaches to glial-derived neoplasms, and the immune response to brain tumors. Studies are conducted in both animal and human models, and the laboratory is fortunate in its ability to obtain ex vivo tumor samples from the operating rooms at CUMC.

Two complementary investigations focus on elucidation of the mechanisms of tumorigenesis. Recent work, in collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. James Goldman & Dr. Peter Cannoll, involves intracranial delivery of genetic tumor growth-factor mutations via retroviral vectors in a rat model. Additionally, the tumorigenic potential of transplanted human tumor tissue into other species is being studied. In the field of novel therapeutics, we are examining the potential of convection-enhanced delivery of chemotherapy in an animal model, with an emphasis on translating this technology to the clinical setting. Immunologic studies focus on the role of tumor-induced immune suppression in high-grade glial neoplams.

Dr. Bruce is also leading a multidisciplinary NIH-funded Phase I trial for brain tumor patients using a novel strategy that delivers chemotherapy directly into the tumor. A chemotherapy drug, Topotecan, is slowly pumped into the tumor and surrounding brain tissue through catheters that have been stereotactically implanted. This strategy, known as convection enhanced delivery, significantly increases the amount of drug that enters the tumor and avoids systemic side effects since the drug remains only in the brain. Future studies will continue to examine safety, efficacy and quality of life issues.