Research > Research Highlights

Research Highlights

Paraneoplastic Neurological Disorders (PND) Research Highlights

Under the leadership of, Josep Dalmau, MD, PhD, our National Institutes of Health (NIH)-supported research is dedicated to studying the mechanisms of PND and has made significant advances including:

• Discovery of several paraneoplastic disorders, and identification of a number of antibodies and target antigens, which are currently used as diagnostic tests for these syndromes.
• Demonstration of the tumors more frequently involved in paraneoplastic neurologic disorders.
• Classification of the paraneoplastic disorders in categories according to the type of immune response and associated antibodies, allowing a better selection of treatment.
• Demonstration that a prompt and coordinated treatment of the tumor and immunotherapy makes a difference in stabilizing, controlling, or curing both disorders.

This knowledge gained through our research allows us to better diagnose and treat people with PND.