Cancer and the Nervous System

Cancers of the nervous system and cancer treatment-related pain present unique challenges. The brain consists of multiple cell types, and the determination of the particular cellular and molecular composition of individual brain tumors is key to developing effective therapies. Moreover, the blood-brain barrier prevents many drugs used for other tumors from entering the brain. Finally, many cancer patients experience chronic pain for which there are limited treatment options. The study of the basic biology of the nervous system and of cancers of the nervous system will inform better treatments.

• The Segal Lab investigates interactions between cells in the brain that lead to cell proliferation or migration.