Duke professor Vidyalakshmi Chandramohan is at the forefront of redefining the future of glioblastoma (GBM) treatment through her pioneering work in immunotherapy. As a neuro-oncologist in the Department of Neurosurgery at Duke, her research is driven by a commitment to improving patient outcomes for one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.
Chandramohan's journey into science was sparked by an interest in immunology and oncology, leading her to earn a Ph.D. and conduct postdoctoral research focused on the complex relationship between cancer and immune responses. Her work is centered on the development of D2C7-IT, a dual-specific immunotoxin currently in Phase I clinical trials for recurrent GBM patients. This precision medicine approach targets tumors with remarkable specificity, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
A critical aspect of her research involves identifying biomarkers that predict patient responses to treatment, enabling personalized therapies. "Personalized medicine is the future," Chandramohan believes. "Tailoring treatment to each patient’s unique response will improve survival rates and outcomes."
Collaboration is at the heart of Chandramohan’s work. She fosters an interdisciplinary environment where scientists, clinicians, and engineers work together toward a shared goal. "No one person can do it all," she emphasizes. "It takes a community of experts to make breakthroughs happen."
Despite the challenges of translating research into clinical practice, Chandramohan remains unwavering in her determination. "When our work leads to better treatment options, it reminds us why we do this every day," she says. Her dedication to improving patient care fuels her optimism for the future of GBM treatment.
Looking ahead, Chandramohan is hopeful that the integration of immunotherapy, precision medicine, and innovative technologies will revolutionize the field of neuro-oncology. "We’re just scratching the surface," she says, confident in the potential to improve outcomes for GBM patients.
Through her relentless pursuit of excellence, Chandramohan is not only advancing the science of glioblastoma treatment but also inspiring the next generation of researchers to push the boundaries of what is possible in the fight against cancer.
