SUMMARY
Kaisorn L. Chaichana, M.D., and colleagues in his laboratory study brain tumors from basic science, translational and clinical perspectives. His basic science and translational research focuses on metastatic brain tumors and, more specifically, how tumors metastasize to the brain. In addition, he is studying the use of stem cells to target and deliver therapeutics to metastatic disease.
Dr. Chaichana's clinical research focuses on outcomes for patients with brain tumors. This includes evaluating ways to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with brain tumors such as metastatic brain tumors, gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary tumors and skull base tumors, among others.
Focus areas
- Origin of metastatic brain tumors. Dr. Chaichana and his team are trying to establish how tumors metastasize to the brain by upregulating and downregulating some key pathways.
- Cellular therapy for metastatic disease. Dr. Chaichana and his team are evaluating the use of cellular therapies, namely stem cells, to target and deliver therapeutics for systemic disease.
- Biomedical engineering. Dr. Chaichana and his team are using the most advanced equipment to study cellular processes including microfluidics, invasion chambers and nanoparticles.
- Patient outcomes. Dr. Chaichana and his team are evaluating outcomes for patients who undergo various surgical procedures for brain tumors in order to delay recurrence, prolong survival and improve quality of life.
Significance to patient care
The most common type of brain cancer in adults is metastatic brain tumors. While systemic treatment for these tumors is improving, the outcomes for patients who develop brain cancer have not. Once tumors metastasize to the brain, outcomes are worse for patients. Dr. Chaichana's lab attempts to prevent tumors from spreading to the brain and to develop nontoxic, targeted cellular therapy for those that do.
Professional highlights
- Investigator Award, Center for Regenerative Medicine (now the Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics), Mayo Clinic, 2018
- Research Accelerator Award, Mayo Clinic, 2018
- Clinician Scientists Career Development Award, Johns Hopkins, 2015-2017
- Passano Physician Scientist Award, Johns Hopkins, 2015