Clinical trials and the blood brain barrier

The COVID-19 vaccines have put a spotlight on the importance of clinical trials. During the early days of the pandemic in New York, researchers like John Boockvar, MD, had to shut down ongoing trials to contribute to the fight against the novel virus. Since, he has resumed his work investigating novel approaches to treating brain cancers. He has been internationally recognized for his research in brain tumors and stem cell biology throughout his 20-year career. He explains the importance of clinical trials, his connection with the inventor of mRNA technology, and his experience leading investigations into experimental treatments for glioblastomas — the deadliest form of brain cancer.  

Meet the expert

Dr. Boockvar is a world-renowned brain tumor expert. He is vice chair of neurosurgery and director of the Brain Tumor Center at Lenox Hill; and director of the Laboratory for Brain Tumor Biology and Therapy at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. 

Along with his fellow neurosurgeons, he was the subject of the highly-acclaimed Netflix docudrama in 2020, “Lenox Hill.” 

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