Tarik Tihan, MD, PhD

My goal is to develop a better understanding of the critical elements for histological classification of primary CNS neoplasms with specific emphasis on pediatric brain tumors, their distinctive subtypes and prognostic markers for each subtype. Our observations contributed to the understanding of biological behavior and molecular features in some tumors such as pilomyxoid astrocytomas. My laboratory actively collaborates with many colleagues from the Brain Tumor Research Center, UCSF, and scientists from national and international organizations and universities to better define tumor entities, their molecular signatures and novel diagnostic or prognostic markers. I participate in the activities of California Childhood Brain Tumor Consortium, Children’s Oncology Group and WHO Classification of Tumours of the Nervous System as well as the WHO Classification of Tumours of Endocrine Organs. I take an active role in professional pathology organizations including national and international societies.

Teaching and educational activities form a crucial part of my activities with a primary emphasis on international outreach. I do hope that with efforts of colleagues from developed countries, we can close the technological and economical gaps that prevent our colleagues in the developing world from fully contributing to world science. I work with numerous individuals and organizations to create a more integrated world across the oceans and to advance science as one people and one world.