Linda Liau

Linda Liau, M.D., Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She holds affiliations with the Brain Research Institute, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), and multiple graduate programs including Molecular & Medical Pharmacology, Neuroscience, and Tumor Immunology. Her primary research focuses on glioblastoma pathogenesis and novel therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Liau's research integrates molecular oncology, immunology, and advanced neuroimaging to develop precision therapies for brain tumors. Key interests include:

• Immunotherapeutic approaches (dendritic cell vaccines, immune checkpoint modulation)
• Metabolic reprogramming in gliomas (IDH mutations, lipid metabolism)
• Tumor microenvironment dynamics (neurovascular interactions, immune evasion)
• Epigenetic regulation of tumor progression
• Advanced MRI techniques for treatment response assessment

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on translational neuro-oncology, with recurring themes of immunotherapy resistance mechanisms, metabolic vulnerabilities in glioblastoma, and innovative imaging biomarkers. The majority of her work utilizes clinical trial data, molecular profiling, and preclinical models to bridge laboratory discoveries with patient care.

Dr. Liau leads significant clinical trials, including phase 3 studies of autologous tumor lysate-loaded dendritic cell vaccines for glioblastoma. She also contributes to neurosurgical education and diversity initiatives, exemplified by her involvement in virtual symposia to promote inclusivity in neurosurgery.