Tens of millions of people affected by brain cancer, strokes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurological diseases share a painful dilemma: a lack of viable therapeutic options. Tantalizingly, one of the biggest treatment obstacles is the very thing that protects the brain from harm: the blood-brain barrier (BBB). While the BBB does a remarkable job of shielding the brain from pathogens and facilitating the delivery of essential nutrients, it can also prevent potentially lifesaving therapies from reaching their targets. Several strategies exist, and more are in development, to help therapeutic agents cross the BBB safely. Still, navigating this barrier remains one of the more complex hurdles in medicine.
Luckily for us, fundamental biology and clinical medicine share a common goal to make life better. That’s why Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) and Northwell Health have partnered to bring cutting-edge biomedical research from the lab bench to the bedside for tens of thousands of patients, including many diagnosed with brain cancers or neurological conditions. To help bring greater awareness to this multi-institutional initiative, on May 21, CSHL Association Honorary Director and former President Trudy Calabrese and Helix Society member Kate Calabrese Chapman hosted a fundraising luncheon at New York City’s historic Cosmopolitan Club.
Founded in 1909, the Club has long been a haven for accomplished and intellectually curious women to exchange ideas, celebrate the arts and humanities, and engage in lifelong learning. With its rich legacy of thought-provoking lectures and cultural events, the Club offers an ideal venue for philanthropists to mingle with leading experts. CSHL Professor Dr. Alea Mills took the stage with Dr. John Boockvar, Vice Chair of Neurosurgery at Lenox Hill Hospital and head of experimental therapeutics at Northwell Health. Also an adjunct professor at CSHL, Dr. Boockvar exemplifies the strength of the CSHL-Northwell Health Affiliation—a collaboration that supports ongoing clinical trials and biotechnology innovations. Together, Drs. Mills and Boockvar offered guests an exciting look at the potential future of neurology and cancer care.
Dr. Mills shared her lab’s latest breakthrough in glioblastoma, one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer. Many cancers, glioblastoma included, involve a mutation to the gene P53, which typically acts like brakes on runaway cell growth. However, in glioblastoma, Dr. Mills explained, P53 often remains unaffected. As seen on ABC, her team discovered that a protein called BRD8 blocks P53’s tumor-suppressing function without changing the gene itself. This strips the patient of a natural ability to defend against tumors. By targeting BRD8, Dr. Mills’ lab can restore P53’s natural function in mice models and lab-grown cells, letting the gene once again suppress tumor growth. The discovery marks a monumental step in identifying a potential target for glioblastoma therapy.
As with any fundamental biology breakthrough, clinical expertise is needed to translate research findings into medical procedures. Closing that divide is renowned neurosurgeon Dr. John Boockvar. You may have seen Dr. Boockvar on the hit Netflix docuseries Lenox Hill and Emergency NYC. His research focuses on overcoming the BBB through cutting-edge treatment delivery methods. One such procedure entails inserting a device called a ClearFit Longeviti implant into a patient’s skull. The device is ultrasound-permeable, Dr. Boockvar explained. As such, it provides a “window” for clinicians to peer into the brain, “similar to a sonogram you would get when you’re pregnant.” Dr. Boockvar pairs ClearFit with circulating microbubbles used for drug delivery. This technique temporarily opens the BBB, allowing therapeutic agents to pass into the brain.
While Dr. Mills’ work targeting BRD8 hasn’t yet been demonstrated in patients, laying the groundwork to safely deliver such therapies is a vital step in the right direction. Accordingly, the presentations elicited an array of questions and comments from an inspired audience.
“The CSHL luncheon at the Cosmopolitan Club was the perfect kickoff to spring—inspiring speakers, beautiful surroundings,” said actress Susan Lucci, a CSHL Association director in attendance. “What a wonderful way to support the important work being done at CSHL!”
Kristin Thomas, a member the CSHL Corporate Advisory Board and fierce advocate for scientific research, agreed. “What moved me most was the quiet, collective power in that room—a shared understanding that science doesn’t move forward without collaboration, and discovery doesn’t happen in isolation,” she said. “Collaboration between researchers and clinicians is the bridge between hope and healing. And Cold Spring Harbor is one of the rare places building that bridge every day.”
Together, Dr. Mills and Dr. Boockvar showcased what’s possible, from experimental research to clinical trials. Their conversation was a powerful reminder that the future of medicine lies not just in breakthroughs but in bold partnerships. Through continued support and collaboration, today’s discoveries become tomorrow’s cures.
Written by: Caroline Cosgrove, Community Engagement Manager | cosgrov@cshl.edu | 516-367-8844