SUMMARY
Wendy J. Sherman, M.D., is a neurologist at Mayo Clinic who also researches gliomas, particularly glioblastoma and astrocytoma. Dr. Sherman's research often involves translating the work done by her colleagues in the laboratory to a clinical trial for participants, bringing bench to bedside. Dr. Sherman's research uses a combination of genetics, imaging and novel delivery methods, with a goal of finding effective new treatments for brain tumors.
Dr. Sherman's research interests also include metastatic disease to the central nervous system. She has a special interest in leptomeningeal metastases, also called leptomeningeal disease. Leptomeningeal metastases, which occurs when cancer spreads to the membranes lining the brain and spinal cord, is a historically understudied disease and needs better treatment options.
Focus areas
- Translational research. Dr. Sherman works closely with neuroscientists to bring discoveries made in the laboratory to clinical trials for people.
- Precision medicine. Dr. Sherman collaborates on tumor genomics research and using information gained to help guide treatment choices.
- Leptomeningeal metastases. Dr. Sherman researches the use of circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor DNA to inform diagnosis and treatment when leptomeningeal disease has spread to the cerebrospinal fluid.
- Clinical trials in neuro-oncology. Dr. Sherman serves as principal investigator, co-investigator and sub-investigator on numerous clinical trials. These include phase 0, phase 1, phase 2 and phase 3 trials in neuro-oncologic diseases, such as glioblastoma, oligodendroglioma, meningioma, craniopharyngioma and brain metastases.
- Whole-health optimization. Dr. Sherman collaborates with other Mayo Clinic investigators on research related to caring for the whole person, not just the disease.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Sherman's research aims to bring new treatments to clinical trials, with the hope of finding better treatments for brain cancer and eventually a cure. Her research also focuses on how to measure if a treatment is effective and how best to manage care of the whole person, not just the disease or condition.
Professional highlights
- Member, Neuro-Oncology Committee, Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, 2022-present.
- Rosenblum-Mahaley Clinical Research Award, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2022.
- Women in Neuro-Oncology Awards Selection Committee, Society of Neuro-Oncology, 2020.