Translating research into patient care excellence in outcomes
These specialists, subspecialists and super subspecialists are leading research in high-tech, state-of-the-art laboratories not available anywhere else in central Ohio (and one of only a handful in the country) — transforming the way skull base tumors are prevented, detected, treated and, yes, cured.
Tumors are complex, and today, cancer is no longer solely defined by location or even by stage — there is no routine skull base or head and neck cancer. Each patient’s disease is different, acting and reacting differently to the bodies they are in and the treatments aimed at stopping them.
Mission
The OSUCCC – James Skull Base Research Center team’s mission is to work collaboratively to create and conduct impactful, groundbreaking research that leads to advanced surgical treatment and training and even more refined clinical procedures and therapies for skull base tumors.
Additionally, by recruiting the very best of visiting and international scholars, the center’s experts can offer some of the most advanced, innovative training available anywhere on the worldwide medical stage — enabling many researchers to return to countries outside of the United States armed with the very latest skull base cancer research techniques and discoveries.
Plus, the center’s internationally recognized principal investigators offer this world-class training in state-of-the-art laboratories not found anywhere else in central Ohio and among only a handful in the country.
What we do
Working collaboratively, the OSUCCC – James Skull Base Cancer Research Center team shares knowledge, expertise and world-class skills to move research and discoveries from the bench to the bedside.
At any given time, numerous advanced skull-base research projects are in progress within the center. All of them are designed to discover, develop and deliver research outcomes leading to the most advanced surgical treatments, refined clinical procedures and highly targeted, precision therapies for patients with skull-base tumors and other head and neck diseases.
Through integrative scientific research, case-based study and interdisciplinary collaboration within the lab as well as the operating room, the OSUCCC – James skull-base research experts evaluate current surgical approaches while brainstorming emerging surgical methodologies. These discussions are often continued from surgery into the lab where new techniques are measured, tested, refined and ultimately returned to the operating room where groundbreaking open, endoscopic and microscopic skull-base procedures are used to improve outcomes for patients with skull-base tumors.
International scholars program
Visiting and international scholars can expect to study in a state-of-the-art anatomy laboratory, receiving extensive hands-on experience with cadaveric dissection, anatomical research, surgical-approaches description and refinement, and endoscopic endonasal approaches to the sinonasal cavity and brain.
In addition to the extensive hands-on cadaveric surgical training and collaboration, the international scholars program includes the opportunity to follow internationally renowned surgeons Ricardo Carrau, MD, (otolaryngology-head and neck surgery) and Daniel Prevedello, MD, (neurosurgery) in clinic and in the operating room. Scholars have a front-row seat during complex skull-base surgeries while also observing the program leaders interacting with patients during clinic hours. In addition, the program offers intensive, ongoing case discussion through the weekly Skull Base Conference and monthly Pituitary Conference. Visiting scholars also have the opportunity to collaborate on written manuscripts for nationally recognized research and science publications as well as for medical journals.
Clinical research accomplishments, scientific presentations and publications
The OSUCCC – James Skull Base Research Center experts often present their findings and accomplishments to medical experts from around the world through presentations, publications, and numerous national and international meetings and conferences they attend throughout each year.
This includes giving more than 100 scientific presentations annually as well as earning coverage in medical journal publications.
Translational research accomplishments and breakthroughs
The basic anatomical research and surgical techniques simulated in the cadaveric specimens in the OSUCCC – James Skull Base Cancer Research Center’s lab give our visiting and international scholars and guests a firsthand experience with procedures while also offering a greater anatomical knowledge.
This translates to even better surgical outcomes (including a greater extent of resection and neurological function preservation), improved patient satisfaction and even better control of the disease.
Additionally, the simulated surgical procedures in the cadaver can often lead to innovative new approaches to a disease as well as to improvements or refinements in an existing surgical technique. These are discussed with the center’s experts and, when considered feasible, sometimes lead to new research involving multiple specimens in the lab — and perhaps eventually be utilized in the operating room.
If you would like to learn more about the OSUCCC – James Skull Base Cancer Research Center, research fellowship opportunities, visiting scholar opportunities or postdoctoral opportunities, please call 614-293-7190 or email us at natalia.sangster@osumc.edu.
Related Resources
Skull Base Tumor Types
Skull Base Tumor Treatment
Skull Base Tumor Treatment Team