To build a diverse and clinically relevant research program, it is critical to bring physicians who treat brain cancer patients together with the scientists who study these cancers. This will create an environment that is mutually beneficial and will synergize research outcomes. The three key components of the research program are described in detail below.

Building the Brain Tumor Basic Science Research Program

In order to impact diseases of the brain resistant to current treatment options, a better understanding of the problem must be achieved by starting in the laboratory and working toward clinical application. A clinical program that intends to impact medicine with science must have a strong basic science program as its foundation. This requires career scientists who have dedicated their lives to making progress in their field of study.

Thus, the most important component in the development of this research effort is the recruitment of qualified neuroscientists. The pure basic science component of the research program will have priority with regard to laboratory space and resources. These investigators will be held to high standards, and it will be expected that their efforts lead to significant public grant support and publications that increase the understanding of brain cancer at the cell and molecular level.

Development of Physician-Driven Basic Science Research

The Center for Brain Tumor Research is committed to the translation of basic science into life-saving clinical applications and new therapeutic strategies that are based on molecular biology. In order to attain this goal, it is critical to involve neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, and neuro-radiologists with the appropriate training and commitment to research.

To realistically impact scientific progress with clinical relevancy, physicians are needed who actively participate in designing, executing and interpreting basic science data. Thus, ingrained in development of physician-driven research is a support system that makes this feasible. This strategic component highlights our dedication to the role of the clinician in affecting change in medicine through basic science and clinical research.

Training Physicians in Basic Science Research

A deficit between the rapid pace of science and technology and the practice of clinical medicine is inevitably growing. This gap is especially impressive within the surgical subspecialties such as neurosurgery. Until recently, no true mechanism existed at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center to train neurosurgical residents and fellows in basic science research. The importance of such training will manifest itself in years to come as scientific research changes the way neurosurgery is practiced. We will use the brain tumor research program as a tool to educate neurosurgical residents, fellows and medical students.

Importantly, these individuals will be able to understand the scientific literature and the impact of science on their surgical subspecialty. This experience will equip them with the tools necessary to participate in future research efforts in the fight against brain cancer. This educational effort will raise the bar of excellence that our neurosurgical training program strives to achieve.