SUMMARY
Gelareh Zadeh, M.D., Ph.D., is a leading neurosurgeon-scientist specializing in neuro-oncology — specifically, gliomas and meningiomas. Her work focuses on understanding the molecular regulators and genomic and epigenomic landscape of neuronal tumors with the goal of advancing precision medicine.
Dr. Zadeh aims to identify invasive and noninvasive biomarkers of tumor progression and therapy response. To accomplish this goal, she analyzes genomic, epigenomic and proteomic biomarkers across large patient groups, looking at tissue specimens, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and radiomics and imaging. She has made significant contributions to the identification of patient outcome biomarkers and biomarkers to improve early detection and monitoring. By translating these discoveries into patient care, Dr. Zadeh aims to improve diagnostics, guide targeted therapies and enhance patient outcomes in neuro-oncology.
Dr. Zadeh's research also delves into the tumor microenvironment, particularly metabolic and hypoxic adaptations affecting treatment response and disease recurrence. As a physician-scientist, she integrates her clinical expertise with cutting-edge research to advance the understanding and treatment of brain tumors.
Focus areas
- Meningiomas. Dr. Zadeh's research investigates the genetic and epigenetic drivers of meningiomas, aiming to enhance diagnosis, prognosis and treatment strategies. She leads international consortia and uses large biobank resources for comprehensive genomic analyses.
- Neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis. Dr. Zadeh's studies on tumors and schwannomas related to neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and type 2 (NF2) aim to uncover new gene variants and potential therapeutic targets.
- Tumor microenvironment. Focusing on how hypoxia and metabolic changes influence tumor behavior and treatment resistance, Dr. Zadeh seeks to improve understanding and therapeutic approaches for glioblastoma and other aggressive tumors.
- Liquid biopsy. Dr. Zadeh is pioneering the use of cell-free circulating tumor DNA methylation profiling to predict tumor behavior and response to therapy in central nervous system tumors.
- Imaging biomarkers. Dr. Zadeh incorporates imaging features with molecular markers using artificial intelligence. Her aim in this area is to identify imaging biomarkers of tumor progression and patient outcomes.
- Murine models. Dr. Zadeh has developed glioma murine models that scientists can use to perform preclinical testing of newly discovered biomarkers.
- Translational research. Dr. Zadeh is committed to translating research findings into clinical practice. She leads early- and late-phase clinical trials and engages in collaborative research to streamline the application of scientific discoveries to patient care.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Zadeh's research helps patients by creating new treatments and tools to diagnose brain tumors. She studies molecules and genes to find the best therapies and predict how patients will do. By learning about the tumor environment and why some treatments don't work, she hopes to improve the outlook and quality of life for patients with serious brain tumors. Her work on liquid biopsies offers a promising noninvasive way to track disease progress and response to treatment.
Professional highlights
- John R. Ohlfest Memorial Lecture Award, Neuro-Oncology Innovation Challenge, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, 2024.
- William J. and Charles H. Mayo Professor I, Mayo Clinic, 2024.
- Canada Gairdner Momentum Award, Gairdner Awards Laureates, Gairdner Foundation, 2023.
- Ronald L. Bittner Lecturer, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2023.
- Farber-Abhijit Guha Award, American Association of Neurological Surgeons Central Nervous System Section on Tumors and Society of Neuro-Oncology, 2021.
- Mona Gauthier Award, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 2018.
- William E. Rawls Prize, Canadian Cancer Society Awards for Excellence in Cancer Research, 2018.
- Young Investigator Award, American Brain Tumor Association, 2015.