Mission of the Neurosurgical Oncology Lab
Discovery of cures for patients with brain tumors through ethical scientific inquiry, collaboration, cutting-edge clinical care, education and mentorship. The laboratory focuses on identifying novel approaches to overcome resistance in patients with brain cancer..
Current Experimental Projects
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive form of brain cancer and is uniformly fatal. Standard of care is surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and sometimes tumor-treating fields. Our lab is working on finding novel therapies with the potential to increase survival for patients with GBM.
Microgel-Chemokine-Matrix (MCM).
This is a novel platform developed in our laboratory in collaboration with UF College of Engineering that combines a hydrogel, chemokine and a nanoparticle to deliver tumor total tumor RNA to the immune system. M results in recruitment of diverse immune cells into the hydrogel which are then educated against the total tumor mRNA. The immune cells then exit the hydrogel and go to the brain tumor to result in a powerful anti-tumor effect. We are currently working on further understanding the mechanism of the efficacy of this vaccine and working on the studies necessary to begin a human clinical trial.
(Left panel) Schematic of MCM. The polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel is loaded with total tumor RNA nanoparticles and CXCL9, a chemokine that recruits immune cells. CXCL9 induces migration of various immune cells, including T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and dendritic cells (DCs), into the HCM vaccine.  DCs are transfected by RNA nanoparticles and present tumor associated antigens to T cells, resulting in tumor-specific T cell activation. NK cells secrete IFN-γ which potentiates T cell activation. Activated T cells egress from the HCM vaccine to exert their antitumor effect. (Right panel) Tumor specific T cells migrate to the tumor microenvironment (TME) resulting in tumor cell death and activation of local microglia using CCL4.
Human GBM cells (blue) being killed by activated T cells (red) in the setting of the HCM vaccine using total tumor mRNA.
Human GBM cells (blue) being killed by activated T cells (red) in the setting of the HCM vaccine using total tumor mRNA.
Laser interstitial thermotherapy (LITT)
A novel treatment option for the treatment of brain tumors is stereotactic implantation of a laser into the tumor causing thermal ablation of the tumor. This treatment has the additional benefit of opening the blood brain barrier (BBB) and resulting in immune infiltration within the tumor after treatment. We have recently developed a mouse LITT model and are using this to study combinatorial strategies with immunotherapy for the treatment of GBM and brain metastases.
Murine LITT system.
A. Stereotactic adapter allowing entry of laser and thermal probe in mouse brain. B. H&E of brain slice demonstrating entry point of laser and ablated tissue of C57BL/6 mouse brain. C. Murine syngeneic glioma model treated with LITT with modest survival benefit. LITT delivered 7 days after KR158 tumor implantation, n=14 control, n=11 LITT group. Figures published by Frain, Rahman et al. Neurosurg Focus 2024.
Prior projects
Immunomodulation with chemotherapy changes response to immunotherapy in glioma
Optimizing vaccine with enhancing dendritic cell migration
Podcast by Dr. Rahman about Laser Ablation for the Treatment of Malignant Brain Tumors.
Dr. Rahman’s Lab Team
Anjali Chauhan
Anjali Chauhan is a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida College of Medicine. Dr. Anjali received her PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University, India. As a doctoral student, she studied the synthesis and characterisation of iron oxide nanoparticles for the treatment of cancer via magnetic hyperthermia therapy. She also studied the effects of magnetic nanoparticles on the neuronal survival and cognitive functions in the presence of alternating magnetic field. Her research interests include nanotechnology, cancer immunotherapy, role of tumor microenvironment in cancer progression, translational research, molecular pathways involved in cancer immunotherapy.
Ravi Kumar
Ravi Kumar – I am currently a Postdoctoral Associate in Dr. Maryam Rahman’s Lab at the Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida. My research focuses on leveraging bioinformatics and advanced murine models to develop innovative treatments for glioblastoma (GBM) and brain metastases. This includes employing a novel stereotactic laser interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) system in combination with nanomedicine-based therapies and immunotherapeutics. I earned my Ph.D. in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology from the Special Center for Nanoscience at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India. My doctoral work centered on the synthesis and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles for RF hyperthermia in cancer treatment. I employed diverse synthesis techniques, such as sol-gel, co-precipitation, hydrothermal, auto-combustion, and solid-state methods, while extensively utilizing characterization tools including X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, Vibrating Sample Magnetometry, Dynamic Light Scattering, and zeta potential. I am also experienced in advanced magnetism dynamics techniques like ferromagnetic resonance and giant magnetoresistance. My interdisciplinary research interests encompass bioinformatics, cancer therapy, immunology, nanotechnology, and nanobiotechnology.
Macaulay Tomdio
I am currently an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Neuroscience and Communication Studies. My academic journey has led me to join the Rahman lab in January 2022, where my research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) in our experimental murine models afflicted with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). The overarching goal of this work is to integrate our findings with other immunotherapies to yield translational outcomes.
Driven by my aspirations for a career in medicine, my research endeavors are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of our understanding of brain cancer treatment and ultimately contributing to the development of effective cures.
Grace Hey
I am a student in the University of Florida Medical Honors Program working towards completing my B.S. in both Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience and Basic Biological and Medical Sciences. I began working in the Rahman Lab in August 2022, where my research has involved investigating the efficacy and underlying mechanism of our novel HCM vaccine. As I transition to become a medical student in August 2023, I intend on conducting research that will allow us to better refine our platform for eventual translation into clinical practice. I hope to pursue a career in academic medicine that will allow for mentorship, scientific contributions to the field of neuro-oncology, and the administration of high-quality holistic care for all.
Linda Cui
Linda Cui – I am a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Florida pursuing my B.S. in biology. I joined Dr. Rahman’s lab in January 2025. My research involves using patient-derived xenograft models to test therapeutic combinations of Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) and anti-tumor drugs, which are identified via high-throughput screening in collaboration with Dr. Tim Spicer’s lab at UF Scripps. I aspire to build a career in academic medicine dedicated to advancing neuro-oncology through the translation of research into clinical practice.
Maryam Imran
I am a recent graduate of the University of Florida, where I earned a B.S. in Neuroscience and a B.A. in Women’s Studies, with a minor in Health Disparities in Society. I joined Dr. Rahman’s lab in September 2024 and have continued working in the lab during my gap year. My research focuses on a novel microgel–chemokine matrix loaded with RNA to induce anti-glioma immunity, as well as the development of flow cytometry panels to evaluate immune responses to LITT and pembrolizumab in PBMCs from patients with recurrent brain metastases. I am interested in improving community health and hope to pursue a career in medicine grounded in collaborative research, dedication to patient outcomes, and mentorship.
Niccolò Rugger
I am currently a fourth-year biochemistry major at the University of Florida. Originally from Italy, I moved to the United States to pursue a medical career, drawn by an academic environment that fosters both educational and research excellence. Since beginning my journey at UF, I have had the privilege of working in Dr. Deleyrolle’s laboratory, where my research has focused on innovative CAR T-cell modifications aimed at enhancing the immune system’s response to cancer. This experience has strengthened my commitment to medical research and highlighted the transformative potential of scientific discovery in improving patient outcomes. As I seek to further expand my expertise, I am excited to deepen my research experience in Dr. Rahman’s lab, where I am working to characterize the synergistic mechanisms of Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) and PD-1 inhibition.
Neel N. Patel
I am an M.D. Candidate at the University of Florida, where I completed my undergraduate studies in Biological and Medical Sciences. Since joining the Rahman Lab in September 2024, my research has focused on advancing immunotherapeutic strategies for CNS malignancies, including the development of the Microgel-Chemokine-Matrix platform, an RNA-based immunotherapeutic designed to reprogram the tumor microenvironment. My work supports the preclinical studies required to advance this therapeutic to first-in-human clinical trials. I also study Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) as a minimally invasive approach to enhance therapeutic delivery in neuro-oncology.
I intend to pursue a career in neurological surgery with a continued commitment to translational research. My long-term goal is to advance innovative immunotherapeutic and minimally invasive treatments for GBM and other aggressive CNS malignancies, improving survival and expanding therapeutic options for patients.
Liyana Ahmed
I am a first year undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Biology on the pre-medical track. I have just joined the Rahman lab in January 2026, and am very excited to learn from the current team and help make meaningful advancements in brain tumor therapy. I am greatly interested in research regarding the development of vaccines and disease treatment and am looking forward to honing my research skills and contributing toward medical progress. After graduation, I plan to attend medical school on my path to become a physician and apply the skills learned in this lab in my future.
Aadarsh Arul
I am currently a freshman at the University of Florida pursuing my B.S. in Microbiology. I joined Dr. Rahman’s Lab in January 2026 and I hope to help make strides in finding therapies for brain cancer. Looking into the future, I hope to pursue a career in medicine, implementing the lessons learned in research to advance the field of neuro-oncology both in the laboratory and the clinic – one experiment at a time.
Principal Investigator Maryam Rahman, MD
Maryam Rahman, MD, Associate Professor, Neurosurgeon
Like all human beings, any title given does not fully capture who someone is. At work, Maryam Rahman MD has the title of associate professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida. Working within the Wells Brain Tumor Center at UF, she specializes in the treatment of patients with brain or spinal tumors. Her focus is on novel treatment techniques, including laser interstitial thermotherapy, fluorescence guided surgery, immunotherapy/vaccine therapy and awake cortical mapping during surgery.+
Dr. Rahman received a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Johns Hopkins University, and attended medical school and completed a neurosurgical residency at UF. During her training she completed a two-year neuro-oncology fellowship. After residency, Dr. Rahman completed a surgical neuro-oncology fellowship at Johns Hopkins University.
“Working under Dr. Rahman’s mentorship has not only taught me how to be a better scientist—but a better human as well.”
-Ghaidaa Ebrahim
Wells Brain Tumor Center
Alumni
Name
Currently
Matthew Frain
– PhD Student
A Medical Physicist
Kyle McGrath
– Medical Student
Currently in Neurosurgical residency
Ghaidaa Ebrahim
Matriculated in medical school
Oriana Otero
Matriculated in medical school
Oliva Packham
2024 – 2025
Aida Karachi DVM, PhD
– Post doc and Assistant Research Scientist
Senior Clinical Scientist at Boehringer Ingelheim
Farhad Dastmalchi, DVM
– Assistant Research Scientist
Senior Scientist Janux Therapeutics
Hassan Azari, PhD
– Assistant Research Scientist
Associate professor Barry University
Rolando Lovaton, MD
– Post doc
Practicing neurosurgeon Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia Peru
Megan Saia, J.D.
Practicing patent law
Lisa Kurian
(06/2018-2020) Currently: Matriculated into medical school
Sarah Shireen Gul
(06/2013-2020) Currently: Matched in General Surgery
Michael Shang
– PhD student
07/2016 – 06/2019
Rachel Newsome
– PhD student
06/2018-01/2019
Usma Baban
08/2016-2017
Eman Shreteh
06/2014-2015
Maha Hashimi
UF Student
Hamza Syed
Applying to medical school
Ishma Khattak
Applying to medical school
Mabel Banson
Neurosurgeon in Ghana
Jorge Gil
Practicing orthopedic surgeon
Yusuf Mekhri
Neurosurgical resident
Sai Sriram
Neurosurgical resident
Ashley O’Malley
Matriculated in medical school