Mary L. Affronti

Dr. Mary L. Affronti serves as an Associate Professor at Duke University School of Nursing with a Clinical Associate faculty appointment in the Duke University Medical Center Department of Surgery/Neurosurgery. She concurrently holds roles as Senior Investigator and Adult Nurse Practitioner at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center within the Duke Cancer Institute, where she has contributed to oncology care and research for nearly three decades since her initial affiliation with DUSON in 1989.

Education:

• DNP, Duke University School of Nursing
• MHSc, Duke University School of Medicine
• MSN, Duke University
• BS, University of Delaware

Her research program centers on primary brain tumors with dual emphases on therapeutic development and symptomatic management strategies. Dr. Affronti pioneered the oncology curriculum for DUSON nurse practitioner students and maintains active clinical practice while leading therapeutic and supportive care investigations. Her work bridges neuro-oncology nursing practice with translational research to optimize patient outcomes in malignant glioma and related conditions.

Publication analysis reveals concentrated expertise in supportive care interventions for brain tumor patients, particularly regarding treatment adherence and symptom control. Current scholarly activity demonstrates strong alignment with Phase II clinical trial methodology in neuro-oncology therapeutics.

Scientific Awards:

• Evelyn Morgan Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing (2005)
• Outstanding Capstone Doctoral Project Award (2013)

Dr. Affronti has mentored nursing students through preceptorship, clinical instruction, and curriculum development roles since 1989. She currently serves as co-principal or principal investigator on four Phase II clinical trials at the Brain Tumor Center, securing research funding for therapeutic and supportive care initiatives targeting primary brain tumors.

As an integral member of the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center team, she collaborates across neurosurgery, oncology, and nursing disciplines to advance integrated care models for brain tumor patients while maintaining active clinical practice alongside research leadership.