Research

Glioma Research Group

Dr. Thomas Chen oversees the Glioma Research Group, an alliance of USC Laboratories dedicated to developing treatments for primary Central Nervous System tumors. By combining and sharing the expertise of specialists in cellular and molecular biology, radioation and surgical treatments of gliomas, the Glioma Research Group is a multidisciplinary unit uniquely suited to pursuing all avenues for treating this devastating disease.

Skull Base and Spinal Anatomy Skills Center

Directors:
Dr. Steven Giannotta
Dr. Srinath Samudrala

Corporate Sponsors:
Anspach
Zeiss
Synthes Spine
Integra Neurosciences
EBI Spine

The USC Departments of Neurosurgery and Neuropathology have joined resources to form a neuroanatomy dissection laboratory at LA County General Hospital. The purpose of this is for teaching surgical anatomy and to perform research in cranial and spinal anatomy. Both departments are dedicated to focused training of young residents in neuroanatomy and to the development and maintenance of excellent surgical skills. The skills center has stimulated novel research with this collaborative effort.

A curriculum of typical dissections is established and residents perform these under the tutelage of professors. Additionally, research in microanatomical detail, surgical procedures, and use of adjuncts such as endoscopes is performed.

With the help of corporate sponsorship the center is now fully equipped with a microscope with DVD recording, drills, instruments, fume hood, a large specimen refrigerator, and textbooks. In the near future the purchase of a mini-fluoroscopy machine will enhance training and research in spine instrumentation. Annual funding for the upkeep and progress of laboratory standards is from corporate and department funding.

RESEARCH GRANTS: Current and Recently Completed

Apuzzo: Radiosurgical Treatment of Temporal Epilepsy, Award # 29985C

Chen: In-vivo imaging of replication competent retrovirus transduction of malignant gliomas using micro-positron emission tomography. P20 grant awarded to Peter Conti, MD, PhD Development of a cellular and molecular based cancer imaging center. 2003 - 2004, Principal Investigator

Chen: “Non-Invasive, Cell Proliferation-Based Assessment Treatment Response in Human Malignant Gliomas With Positron Emission Tomography” The Dana Foundation 2003-2006, Principal Investigator

Chen: A Phase III multicenter study of intratumoral/interstitial therapy with TransMID. Xenova Group.5-2004 to 5-2005, Principal Investigator

Chen: Can the platelet plug be used safely in cancer patients? DePuy Acromed, Inc. 2004 – 2005, Principal Investigator

Chen: Generating Brain Tumor Targeted Derivatives of the Anti-Tumor Drug Celecoxib

Chen: Phase III Randomized Evaluation of Convection Enhanced Delivery of IL13-PE38QQR Compared to Gliadel. NeoPharm, Inc. 6-2004 to 6-2005, Principal Investigator

Chen: Role of PKC-Mediated GRP Induction in Glioma Chemoresistance. National Cancer Institute, co-PI 7-2003 to 7-2006, co-PI

Giannotta: Cerebral Aneurysm Rerupture Study. UCSF

Giannotta: Familial Intracranial Aneurysm. University of Cincinnati

Giannotta: Hypothermia during Intracranial Aneurysm Surgery. Univ. of Iowa

Gruen: Bactiseal catheter study with Codman. Antibiotic impregnated ventricular
catheters versus plain catheters comparison of infection rates.

Larsen: CREST – Carotid endarterectomy vs. Carotid angioplasty and stenting: A randomized multicenter national trial.

Liker: Co-PI in Northstar cortical stimulation project for stroke rehabilitation

Liker: Co-PI on upcoming study on DBS for obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression

Liker: Co-Investigator (IRB submitted and pilot initiated) Monitoring the visual axis during posterior spine surgery. Impetus for the study is the rare instance of blindness (Posterior ischemic optic neuropathy - PION) during extensive posterior spinal surgery.

Liker: Co-Investigator with the Cortical Prosthesis Testbed component of the Biomimetic Microelectronic Systems (BMES) Engineering Research Center (ERC) at USC sponsored by the NSF. The goal of the Cortical Prosthesis Testbed is to develop next-generation biomimetic neural prostheses that communicate bi-directionally with cortical brain regions to replace the function of brain areas lost due to damage or disease.

Liker: Role of dopamine agonist versus carbidopa/levodopa in glutamine release in the basal ganglia of MPTP lesioned murine and primate models of Parkinson's disease.

Liker: Role of exercise in plasticity of the basal ganglia. Using microdialysis to assess dopamine changes in the basal ganglia following a vigorous exercies regimen in murine models of Parkinson’s disease.

Liu: Artificial Niches for Neural Stem Cells, American Association of Neurological Surgeons – Neurosurgical Research and Education Foundation, Role: PI, Duration: 7/1/04-6/30/05

Liu: Engineering of the Extracellular Matrix – Artificial Extracellular Matrix Proteins for Neural Stem Cell Programming, Donald E. and Delia B. Baxter Foundation, Role: PI, Duration: 7/1/03-6/30/04

Liu: Engineering of the Extracellular Matrix for Neural Stem Cell Programming and Neurorestoration. Agency: Congress of Neurological Surgeons/Margot Anderson Foundation, Role: PI, Duration: 7/1/03-1/1/04

Liu: Extracellular Matrix Proteins for Neural Stem Cell Programming and Restoration of the Aging and Degenerating Nervous System, NIH-NIA, Role: PI, Duration: 4/1/03-3/31/04

Wang: Depuy Acromed restricted research grant : HEALOS and bone marrow aspirate in long construct anterior cervical fusions.

Wang: Depuy Acromed restricted research grant: Determining the anatomic constraints of the C1 lateral mass for screw placement, including screw entry points, lengths, and trajectories.

Wang: Sofamor Danek restricted research grant: Clinical outcomes from the application of resorbable cervical interbody spacers.