Linda Liau

Linda Liau is an American neurosurgeon and neuro-oncologist renowned for her pioneering work in brain tumor immunotherapy. She is a professor and chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and a member of the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her research has been instrumental in developing novel immunotherapeutic strategies, most notably the personalized vaccine DCVax-L, for treating malignant gliomas such as glioblastoma multiforme.

Early life and education

Linda Liau completed her undergraduate studies at Stanford University, where she developed a foundational interest in the sciences. She then pursued her medical degree and a Ph.D. in molecular biology at the University of California, Los Angeles, engaging in rigorous training that bridged clinical medicine and basic research. Her doctoral work provided early exposure to the complexities of central nervous system tumors, setting the stage for her future career. This dual-degree path was supported by the prestigious Medical Scientist Training Program, preparing her for a trajectory in academic neurosurgery.

Career and research

Upon completing her residency in neurosurgery at UCLA Health, Liau joined the faculty at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, where she has spent her entire professional career. She rose to become the first woman to chair the Department of Neurosurgery at the institution. Her laboratory research focuses on the molecular genetics of gliomas and the tumor microenvironment, investigating mechanisms of tumor immunology and immune evasion. She has held significant leadership roles within the Society for Neuro-Oncology and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, influencing the direction of neuro-oncological research nationally. Her work is frequently published in high-impact journals such as Nature and the New England Journal of Medicine.

Contributions to glioma immunotherapy

Liau's most celebrated contribution is the development of DCVax-L, an autologous dendritic cell vaccine designed to train a patient's immune system to attack glioblastoma cells. This involved groundbreaking clinical trials conducted through UCLA Health and later in an international multi-center Phase III trial. Her research has also explored combination therapies, integrating vaccines with checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab and targeted agents to overcome immunosuppressive barriers. She has investigated the role of specific neoantigens and tumor-associated antigens in generating effective anti-tumor T cell responses, work supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the American Cancer Society.

Awards and honors

In recognition of her transformative work, Linda Liau has received numerous prestigious awards. She was elected to the National Academy of Medicine, one of the highest honors in American health and medicine. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons awarded her the Cushing Medal for Technical Excellence and Innovation in Neurosurgery. She has also been honored with the Ronald L. Bittner Award from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Distinguished Service Award from the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. Her research accolades include the James S. McDonnell Foundation Scholar Award and being named a Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher.

Personal life

While maintaining a demanding career as a surgeon-scientist and department chair, Linda Liau is also a dedicated mentor to medical students, residents, and fellows at UCLA. She is known for her commitment to advancing diversity within the field of neurosurgery, actively supporting initiatives for women and underrepresented minorities in medicine. Outside of her professional life, she maintains a private personal life, with her family residing in Los Angeles.

Category:American neurosurgeons Category:University of California, Los Angeles faculty Category:National Academy of Medicine members Category:Stanford University alumni