Jann N. Sarkaria, M.D.

Dr. Sarkaria's laboratory research is focused on developing novel radiosensitizing strategies for the treatment of glioblastoma. Studies in the Sarkaria laboratory demonstrated that concurrent treatment with rapamycin can significantly enhance the efficacy of radiation therapy, and these studies have led to the development of a clinical trial that will evaluate this combination in newly diagnosed patient with GBM. Other studies in the laboratory are focused on understanding the potential benefit of EGFR inhibitors in combination with radiation therapy and evaluating mechanisms of sensitivity and resistance to temozolomide when combined with radiation. Dr. Sarkaria also is interested in imaging drug induced changes in tumor proliferation as a method for rapidly identifying those patients who are benefiting from a particular novel therapeutic strategy.