Prof. Hrvoje Miletic, Experimental Neuro-oncology & Neuropathology

Our research is focused on human glioblastoma (GBM), the most malignant and frequently occurring primary brain tumor. We work on projects within basic and translational research aimed toward both gaining a better understanding of invasive mechanisms of GBM and developing experimental therapies. Two major research topics in our lab include:

• Identifying molecular mechanisms of invasion within human GBM
• Translation of a lentiviral suicide gene therapy into the clinic to treat GBM patients

To achieve these goals, we use a human GBM xenograft model that recapitulates the invasive and angiogenic features of patient tumors. This model has been developed within the Translational Cancer Research lab and is one of the most clinically relevant animal models available. Using this model, we have shown that lentiviral vectors delivering a suicide gene can efficiently kill GBM cells and significantly prolong survival. In another project, we have shown that activation of the wild-type EGFR promotes invasive and angiogenesis-independent growth of GBM.

Within our projects we use MRI and confocal imaging. From the MIC equipment, we have used the 7 tesla MRI and the Zeiss confocal microscope.

For further information, please go to our webside www.neuroconcept.org