Weaver honored by neurological surgery association
Kyle Weaver, M.D., assistant professor of Neurological Surgery, has received the Preuss Award from the Joint Section on Tumors of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS).
Kyle Weaver, M.D.
The Preuss Award is given to a young scientist investigating brain tumors who submitted the best basic science research paper. First awarded in 1987, the prize is sponsored by the Preuss Foundation for Brain Tumor Research, founded by entrepreneur Peter Preuss.
Weaver’s research paper is entitled “Resection of Malignant Glioma Results in Significant Decrease in Circulating Tumor-Specific Hypermethylated DNA. A Potential Biomarker?” It investigates the use of DNA shed by the tumor into the patient’s bloodstream as the basis for tests to diagnose and follow the response of malignant brain tumors to treatment.
“We have made great advances in the treatment of malignant brain tumors, but the techniques to diagnose and follow them through their course of treatment lags far behind. Hopefully, ultimately, this concept will aid in maximizing these new and emerging treatments. It is quite humbling to receive this award and be a part of the amazing advances in this area,” Weaver said.
After receiving his medical degree from the University of North Carolina, Weaver completed his internship in General Surgery and residency in Neurosurgery at UNC, and held a Neuro-Oncology Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University before coming to Vanderbilt.
“The Preuss award is of the most prestigious in Neurosurgical Oncology. It is wonderful to have Dr. Weaver’s research acknowledged in this way. His work is changing how we diagnose and treat patients with brain cancer,” said Reid Thompson, M.D., chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery.
Weaver also won the section’s Young Investigator Award in 2004.
The Joint Section on Tumors of the AANS and the CNS is the first professional organization devoted to the study and treatment of brain tumors.