Sonikpreet Aulakh, MBBS, MD

Research Interests

In her laboratory, Dr. Aulakh investigates the molecular underpinnings of glioblastoma, focusing on CD38 as a therapeutic target to overcome treatment resistance. Her ongoing projects, funded by intramural and extramural funding, include developing patient-derived xenograft models to test novel therapies and exploring the tumor microenvironment’s role in disease progression. By addressing the biological diversity of brain tumors in Appalachia, her research lays the foundation for personalized treatments tailored to rural populations.

Dr. Aulakh’s translational research bridges laboratory discoveries and clinical practice, directly impacting rural neuro-oncology care. Her work on CD38-targeted therapies has led to clinical trials that translate molecular insights into tangible treatments. Projects like the PROTEUS Consortium study (2022–2024) have implemented patient-reported outcome-guided care models, improving quality of life for brain tumor patients in Appalachia. By integrating genomic data and clinical outcomes, she ensures that rural patients benefit from precision medicine advancements.

Research Interests

• Brain Tumor Therapeutics: Pioneering target specific therapies to enhance the antitumor efficacy in glioblastoma and midline gliomas.
• Precision Medicine in Neuro-Oncology: Leveraging genomic and molecular profiling to develop personalized treatment strategies for high-grade gliomas.
• Clinical Trials Leadership: Designing and leading innovative trials to improve outcomes in glioblastoma using immunotherapy and radiation.
• Rural Healthcare Disparities: Addressing biological, geographic, and socioeconomic barriers to brain tumor care in Appalachia through clinical and translational research.
• Tumor Microenvironment: Investigating the role of the tumor microenvironment in treatment resistance and disease progression in brain cancers.

Grants and Research

Clinical Trials Leadership

• NCT04922723 : Phase I/II trial of radiation, temozolomide, and daratumumab immunotherapy for glioblastoma, Lead Principal Investigator (closed to accrual).
• NCT05503797: Efficacy and safety of FORE8394 in BRAF-altered cancers, Site Principal Investigator (open to accrual).
• NCT04471844 (EF-32): Optune® with radiation and temozolomide for newly diagnosed glioblastoma, Site Principal Investigator (closed to accrual).
• NCT04142437 (ON-TRK): Larotrectinib in TRK fusion cancer, Site Principal Investigator (open to accrual).
• NCT04410133 (REVELATE): 18F Fluciclovine PET for recurrent brain metastases, Site Principal Investigator (completed).

Current Research Projects

• CD38-Targeted Therapy in Glioblastoma
• Role of BCL2 in Glioblastoma
• Role of fusion proteins in Glioblastoma
• Development of Pre-Clinical Models of Glioblastoma
• Clinical Study on High-Grade Gliomas in Appalachia
• PRO-Guided Care for Brain Tumor Patients
• Implementation of decentralized clinical trials

Publications

1. Aulakh, S., et al. (2024). Biological and prognostic relevance of epigenetic regulatory genes in high-grade gliomas. Neuro-Oncology Advances, 6(1), vdae169.
2. Sherman, J. H., Bobak, A., et al. (2024). Targeting drug resistance in glioblastoma (Review). International Journal of Oncology, 65(2), 80.
3. Muñoz Perez, N., et al. (2024). VISTA emerges as a promising target against immune evasion mechanisms in medulloblastoma. Cancers, 16(15), 2629.
4. Cioffi, G., et al. (2024). Sex differences in glioblastoma response to treatment: Impact of MGMT methylation. Neuro-Oncology Advances, 6(1), vdae031.
5. Lee, I. Y., et al. (2024). Autologous cell immunotherapy (IGV-001) with IGF-1R antisense oligonucleotide in newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients. Future Oncology, 20(10), 579–591.
6. Stout, N. L., Greenfield, J., & Aulakh, S. (2023). Feasibility of a clinically integrated rehabilitation therapist in a neuro-oncology clinic. Neuro-Oncology Advances, 5(1), vdad098.
7. Darabi, S., et al. (2023). Capicua (CIC) mutations in gliomas in association with MAPK activation for exposing a potential therapeutic target. Medical Oncology, 40(7), 197.
8. Blethen, K. E., et al. (2021). Modulation of the blood-tumor barrier to enhance drug delivery and efficacy for brain metastases. Neuro-Oncology Advances, 3(Suppl 5), v133–v143.
9. Aulakh, S., et al. (2019). Survival trends in glioblastoma and association with treating facility volume. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 68, 271–274.
10. Aulakh, S. (n.d.). Growth factor signaling and therapy in brain tumors. In Handbook of Brain Tumor Chemotherapy, Molecular Therapeutics, and Immunotherapy (3rd ed.).