Sharma Receives U54 Brain MetNet Seed Grant
November 8, 2024
Saurabh Sharma, PhD has received a grant from the Stanford Brain Metastasis Consortium (SBMC) Seed Grant Program. The $50,000 will fund his project "Melanoma Brain Metastases: Overcoming Key Obstacles."
“This project tackles a critical unmet need as melanoma brain metastases (MBMs) pose a significant clinical challenge for patients unresponsive to first-line checkpoint blockade therapy,” said Sharma.
Sharma hopes to determine the immunomodulation of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) by peptide nano-conjugates to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs). He’ll then demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of this approach by using in vivo models of ICB-resistant MBM.
“Brain-targeted nano-conjugates effectively cross the blood-brain barrier through peptide-mediated transcytosis, enhancing directed drug delivery, reducing circulating drug degradation and off-target toxicity,” said Sharma.
Sharma is a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Dr. Amanda Kirane. Kirane and Dr. Michael Lim, who brings specialty expertise in melanoma, brain tumors, macrophage biology, drug development and nanochemistry, will serve as mentors on the project.
The SBMC Seed Grant Program is funded by the NIH NCI U54 Metastasis Network program. SBMC is part of Stanford’s Department of Neurosurgery.
Media Contact
Bio
About Stanford Surgery
The Stanford University Department of Surgery is dedicated to inventing the future of surgical care through:
• pioneering cutting-edge research,
• developing the next generation of leaders, and
• healing through incomparable surgical skills and compassion.
To learn more, please visit surgery.stanford.edu
The Latest
Vascular & Endovascular SurgeryStanford Vascular Surgery Celebrates Research and Innovation at 2026 Paul Baszucki Biobank Research Day
The Stanford Division of Vascular Surgery hosted the Paul Baszucki Vascular Surgery Biobank Research Day on September 21–22, 2026, bringing together faculty, trainees, researchers, and collaborators to highlight ongoing advances in vascular disease research and celebrate the continued growth of the Paul Baszucki Biobank.
Abdominal TransplantationStanford Transplant Research Symposium Highlights Innovation in Transplantation
Stanford researchers and clinicians gathered on September 18, 2026, for the Stanford Transplant Research Symposium, an afternoon of research presentations, discussion, and collaboration focused on emerging challenges and innovations in transplantation.
stanfordgensurg on InstagramDr. Wren Named Alum of the Year by Stritch School of Medicine
Congratulations to Dr. Sherry Wren, who has been named an Alum of the Year by Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine. Dr. Wren, who received her MD at Stritch in 1986, is being recognized for “Excellence in Community Service.” The award will be presented at the Stritch Reunion Weekend in October.
SurgeryA Smaller Incision Offers a New Approach to Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
Stanford surgeon Dr. Jean Bao introduces endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy, a minimally invasive approach that uses a smaller lateral incision while preserving the breast skin and nipple. The technique may improve surgical visualization, reduce tissue retraction, and support an easier recovery for appropriately selected patients undergoing cancer treatment or risk-reducing surgery.
SurgeryPostdoc Spotlight: Ken Neiser, PhD
Ken Nieser, an investigator with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Stanford's S-SPIRE Center, applies statistical models to health data to study and improve healthcare quality, focusing on colorectal cancer screening disparities among veterans by combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative research involving patient and provider interviews.
SurgeryImproving Cancer Immunotherapy with Dr. Alma Cepika
Dr. Alma Cepika explains how TR1 cells regulate immune responses and how tumors may exploit these cells to suppress antitumor immunity. Could targeting TR1 cells help improve cancer immunotherapy?
SurgeryHTTC: Dr. Derrick Wan, 72nd PSRC Chair
Dr. Derrick Wan has been elected the 72nd President of the Plastic Surgery Research Council. He shares his journey to the presidency and his goals for the society.
Division of Plastic & Reconstructive SurgeryA Career of Compassion and Connection: Celebrating Elena Hopkins
Longtime nurse practitioner and program coordinator Elena Hopkins reflects on a career devoted to children with craniofacial conditions and their families.
Abdominal TransplantationMarc Melcher Receives 2026 John Levin Excellence in Leadership Award
Marc L. Melcher, MD, PhD, chief of the Division of Abdominal Transplantation and professor of surgery at Stanford Medicine, has received the 2026 John Levin Excellence in Leadership Award from the Stanford Health Care Board of Directors.
SurgerySamantha Ratanavipupong wins Inaugural StanfordMed Spark Tank
Samantha Ratanavipupong won Stanford Medicine’s inaugural Spark Tank for a clinical operations dashboard that combines billing data to help leaders identify coding and productivity gaps and better support faculty in meeting wRVU targets. The competition invited staff across the School of Medicine to pitch practical, innovative ideas, with organizers planning to build on the event’s success in 2027. Our own Cyrus Press took third.