Paul D. Brown, M.D., studies the use of radiation to treat brain tumors and how to minimize the potential complications of radiation to the brain. This includes advanced radiotherapy techniques to avoid certain regions of the brain, the use of focused techniques such as proton radiotherapy and radiosurgery, and medications to decrease the risk of complications.

Focus areas
Proton radiotherapy. Dr. Brown studies the use of proton radiotherapy to decrease the risk of complications. This includes ongoing studies utilizing cutting-edge techniques in the delivery of proton radiotherapy.
Discovery of novel therapeutic targets to decrease risks of radiation to the brain. Dr. Brown's research focuses on identifying novel therapeutic targets. Past and ongoing efforts include research in memantine and armodafinil.
Advanced radiotherapy techniques. Dr. Brown studies and leads trials exploring advanced radiotherapy techniques such as hippocampal avoidance whole-brain radiotherapy to better maintain the cognitive function of patients after radiotherapy.
Radiosurgery. Dr. Brown has identified improved quality of life and cognitive function for patients with a limited number of brain metastases treated with radiosurgery as opposed to whole-brain radiotherapy. He continues to study novel techniques to use radiosurgery to improve patient outcomes.

Significance to patient care
Dr. Brown's hope is that through his research, treatment techniques will be developed to better control brain tumors and result in better quality of life and long-term cognitive function for patients with brain tumors. He also aims to understand the causes, study improvements for interventions, and determine which patients are at risk of future adverse outcomes to better individualize care.