Dr. Maroon received an athletic scholarship to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana where as an undergraduate, he was named a Scholastic All-American in football. Dr. Maroon has successfully maintained his personal athletic interests through participation in 9 marathons and more than 72 Olympic-distance triathlon events. However, his greatest athletic accomplishment is his participation in 8 Ironman triathlons (Hawaii – 1993, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2013; Canada – 1995; New Zealand – 1997; Germany – 2000), where he usually finishes in the top 10 of his age group. Recently, in July 2012 and 2013, he finished second and third, respectively, in his age group in the Muncie, Indiana half Ironman triathlon. In October 2013 he completed his 5th World Championship Ironman in Kona, Hawaii.Canine Brain Tumor Research
September 2024 In April 2024, neurosurgeon, Dr. Joseph Maroon discussed SYNC-T, a novel, minimally invasive immunotherapeutic approach to treat metastatic solid tumors. At that time he reported on human research done by Syncromune, a company he has been affiliated with for a number of years, that currently focuses on the treatment of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. The unique technology uses Cryo-Immune Vaccination (CIV). CIV involves several treatment cycles comprised of (1) cryo-lysis of a single lesion in a metastatic subject, to generate a self made (personalized) vaccine at each cycle, plus (2) followed by an infusion of the cryo-lysed lesions with a low-dose cocktail of multiple immunotherapeutic drugs. (see Poster Demo HERE)
Dr. Maroon’s career in neurosurgery has focused, in part, on the treatment of cancerous glioblastoma (glioma) brain tumors. Typically, considered universally fatal. Dr. Maroon, along with a research team from UPMC, Syncromune and BluePearl Pet Hospital in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, are part of an IRB-approved research study for the experimental treatment of canine glioma brain tumor. Lead by veterinary specialist, Dr. Edward Mackillop, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), the research is actively seeking dogs with suspected brain tumor to be considered as a possible candidate for the CIV treatment protocol.
Study details.
A novel surgical and targeted therapeutic approach to treat canine brain tumors.
Inclusion criteria:
- Be male or female and at least 12 months of age
- Weigh at least 5 kgs (11 pounds)
- Have Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) demonstrating a spontaneous brain tumor consistent with glioma
- Have a life expectancy of at least 6 months
- The canine’s owner must demonstrate the ability to understand and the willingness to sign an informed consent document.
Exclusion criteria:
- Be pregnant, nursing, or intended for breeding during the study period
- Have a brain tumor that involves both hemispheres (and thus is not treatable), a caudal cranial fossa or brainstem tumor
- Be enrolled in another clinical treatment trial
- Have an active infection (within one week of enrollment)
- Have confirmation of significant systemic organ dysfunction that the investigator feels would place the dog at greater risk for study participation
- Have a history of allergic reactions to compounds or contraindications for MRI (allergy to
contrast, metal implants, or known adverse reaction to inhalation anesthesia)
Locations and contacts:
- Pittsburgh, PA: Edward Mackillop, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) at 412.336.3400
Duration of study.
6 visits consisting of screening, surgery, and follow ups at 1, 3, and 6 months.
Covered costs.
All study-related costs including exams, diagnostics, and procedures are covered by the study sponsor.