A new Rory David Deutsch Brain Tumor Research Program will begin taking shape this spring at the Duke University Medical Center. Established in Rory’s name, the new program supports both laboratory and clinical investigations into causes and cures for pediatric brain tumors.

On the laboratory side, dynamic research teams are looking at various challenges, such as: how to reverse resistances to chemotherapy treatments; new chemotherapy approaches for treating malignant gliomas; understanding the causes of pediatric gliomas; and vaccine strategies for pediatric brain tumors. Various clinical investigations are focusing on the use of different, specific chemotherapies for a broad range of pediatric brain tumors, including brain stem gliomas.

All fund-raising efforts conducted in the local, Raleigh-Durham area will benefit local research programs in Rory’s name at Duke, with the support of the Duke University research teams.

The Dynamic Duke Team

Henry Friedman, MD
Co-director of the Clinical Neuro-Oncology Program of the Brain Tumor Center at Duke. Dr. Friedman will be instrumental in forwarding the efforts of the new Rory David Deutsch Brain Tumor Research Program at Duke. This internationally recognized neuro-oncologist has devoted his medical career to treating children and adults with brain and spinal cord tumors.

Allan Friedman, MD
Co-director of the Clinical Neuro-Oncology Program of the Brain Tumor Center at Duke. Dr. Friedman is an internationally recognized tumor and vascular neurosurgeon who has spent his career studying neuro-oncology. As chief of the neurosurgery division at Duke, Dr. Friedman will play an integral role in the progress of the Rory David Deutsch Brain Tumor Research Program at Duke.

Michael Krzyzewski
Leadership Consultant for the Brain Tumor Center at Duke. With more than twenty years as a coach and educator, Mr. Krzyzewski, known as “Coach K,” guides the health care personnel at Duke. These individuals are constantly learning better ways to help patients and families affected by brain tumors. “Coach K” is now bringing his renowned motivational and leadership skills to the new Rory David Deutsch Brain Tumor Research Program.

Beth Stewart, RN, MSN
Manager, Neuro-Oncology Program at the Brain Tumor Center at Duke. As an internationally recognized specialist in the psychosocial impact of brain tumors on families, Ms. Stewart brings her compassion and skills to both the Duke program and the new Rory David Deutsch Brain Tumor Research Program.

Visit the Brain Tumor Center at Duke