Kevin A. Walter

Dr. Kevin A. Walter is Chief of Neurosurgery at UR Medicine's Highland Hospital and a Professor of Neurosurgery and Oncology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He holds joint appointments in the Department of Orthopaedics (SMD) and the Cancer Center. Dr. Walter earned his MD at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, completed neurosurgical residency and a neuro-oncology fellowship at Johns Hopkins, and served as Director of Adult Neuro-oncology at the University of Pittsburgh before joining Rochester in 2007.

Dr. Walter's research focuses on experimental therapeutics for brain and spinal tumors, with a particular emphasis on improving patient survival and quality of life through clinical trials and laboratory investigations into tumor biology. His work spans glioblastoma, radiosurgery, and complex spinal interventions.

His recent publications highlight advancements in dendritic cell vaccination for glioblastoma (2023), tumor treating fields (2020), and recurrence patterns post-chemoradiation. Earlier studies (2010-2007) explored vascular gene expression, spinal cord gliomas, and radiosurgery efficacy.

• NREF Young Investigator Award (2003)
• Blue Ribbon Presentation (2001)
• Hunterian Resident Neurosurgical Research Award (2001)
• Outstanding Presentation (2000)
• Hunterian Medical Student Neurosurgical Research Award (1995)
• Alpha Omega Alpha (1995)

Dr. Walter conducts clinical research evaluating experimental therapies for brain and spinal cancers, including trials on dendritic cell vaccines and tumor treating fields. He also leads a research laboratory at the University of Rochester focused on novel tumor targets and drug delivery systems like biodegradable polymers.