Damon Runyon Researchers

Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive form of brain cancer that, unfortunately, resists most existing treatments, including immunotherapy. This resistance largely stems from the brain’s protective barriers that restrict immune cells from effectively reaching and attacking tumors. Dr. Miller’s research focuses on overcoming these barriers by understanding how immune cells, specifically T cells, can better navigate into brain tumors and survive in the harsh, nutrient-poor environment surrounding them. Dr. Miller is identifying the chemical signals (chemokines) that direct immune cells from the brain’s borders (the meninges) into the tumor area. By mapping these pathways, he aims to engineer immune cells to recognize and respond more effectively to these signals, improving their ability to reach and attack tumors. Secondly, he will study how the unique metabolic conditions in the fluid surrounding the brain (cerebrospinal fluid) influence the function of immune cells. This fluid contains substances that might limit immune cells’ ability to attack cancer cells. By analyzing these conditions, Dr. Miller intends to design immune cells that are better adapted to survive and function effectively within the brain's challenging environment. Ultimately, his goal is to develop strategies that significantly improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy for glioblastoma, offering new hope to patients with this devastating cancer. Dr. Miller received his PhD from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his BS from the University of California, Berkeley.