Jeffrey P. Greenfield, MD, PhD

Whenever possible, I try to use minimally invasive endoscopic approaches to operate on tumors at the base of the skull, such as those in or near the pituitary gland, like craniopharyngiomas and adenomas. Using this innovative technique, I can remove these tumors through the nose. This leaves no external scars, is less uncomfortable, and is easier for children to tolerate than conventional neurosurgery.

In addition to caring for young patients, I direct a research laboratory. I am seeking to understand several connected scientific questions. One major focus is exploring the events that turn noncancerous tumors, such as low-grade astrocytomas, into cancerous tumors. We have shown that certain cells from the bone marrow travel to the brain and promote the development of tumors. Treating these interactions is known as immunotherapy. The basic science underlying this idea forms the center of our research. 

Another focus of the lab is to understand how tumor cells move through the brain. We study a rare tumor called gliomatosis cerebri to better understand this phenomenon and prevent tumor invasion. Finally, we are interested in what is known as precision medicine. This means developing tools and algorithms to better tailor therapy to target mutations we have discovered through biopsies.

I truly draw inspiration from my young patients every day. As we make treatment decisions with our patients and their families, we always keep in mind the goal of a happy, productive childhood and their continued physical, emotional, and intellectual development.