Manish K. Aghi

Dr. Manish K. Aghi is a Professor in Residence in the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, where he also serves as Faculty Member in the Graduate Division in Biomedical Sciences. As both a neurosurgeon and scientist, Dr. Aghi specializes in adult brain tumors, with particular expertise in pituitary tumors and gliomas.

Dr. Aghi's educational background includes:

• BS, MS from Stanford University (1993)
• MD, PhD from Harvard Medical School (2000)
• Neurological Surgery Residency at Massachusetts General Hospital (2000-2007)

Dr. Aghi's research focuses on understanding the tumor microenvironment of malignant brain tumors like glioblastoma and benign tumors like pituitary adenomas. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including single cell sequencing, novel xenograft models, and collaborations with industry partners to investigate how the tumor microenvironment contributes to therapeutic resistance. His work has led to several clinical applications, including participation as principal investigator in clinical trials for recurrent glioblastoma.

Analysis of Dr. Aghi's recent publications reveals a strong focus on:

• The role of neutrophils and other immune cells in the glioblastoma microenvironment
• Cancer-associated fibroblasts and their contribution to tumor progression
• Novel viral gene therapy approaches to reverse immunosuppression in glioblastoma
• Mechanisms of resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy like bevacizumab
• Metabolic adaptations in invading glioblastoma cells
• Molecular mechanisms underlying pituitary adenoma formation

Dr. Aghi has received numerous scientific honors including:

• Election to the American Society of Clinical Investigation (ASCI), a prestigious physician-scientist honorary society (2014)
• Journal of Neuro-Oncology Award from the American Association of Neurologic Surgeons (2014)
• Young Investigator Award from the Society for Neuro-Oncology (2013)
• Multiple awards from the Congress of Neurological Surgeons for resident research

As a mentor, Dr. Aghi has guided numerous students, postdoctoral fellows, and medical residents. His lab has produced significant scientific contributions that have been featured on journal covers, and his trainees have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, and clinical practice. Dr. Aghi also leads clinical research initiatives, including a nationwide clinical research team focused on pituitary tumors that has published several dozen award-winning publications.

Dr. Aghi's laboratory, located at UCSF's Mission Bay campus, maintains active research programs investigating multiple aspects of brain tumor biology and is supported by funding from the NIH and private foundations.