Jennifer L. Peterson, M.D.

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SUMMARY

The research interests of Jennifer L. Peterson, M.D., center on central nervous system tumors and hematologic malignancies. Specifically, Dr. Peterson is focused on evaluating how different types of therapy regimens, including external beam radiation therapy, radiosurgery and chemotherapy, can be used to effectively treat these diseases while minimizing treatment-related toxicity.

Dr. Peterson is a co-investigator on multiple studies on both central nervous system tumors and hematological malignancies and collaborates closely with principal investigators in the areas of hematology and oncology, neuro-oncology, and neurosurgery.

Focus areas

• Clinical trials for multiple myeloma. Dr. Peterson is a collaborator on a phase I trial evaluating the use of a specific radioisotope, iodine 131, to deliver targeted radiation for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
• Central nervous system tumors. Dr. Peterson has several ongoing research projects, including evaluating risk factors predictive of radiation necrosis after radiosurgery, comparing outcomes of different radiation therapy treatments in acoustic neuroma and evaluating the role of re-irradiation in the treatment of recurrent gliomas.
• Optimal treatment of gliomas. Dr. Peterson contributes to several national trials working to develop optimal treatment regimens for patients with gliomas. This research involves evaluation of various combinations and sequences of radiation and chemotherapy.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Peterson's overall research goal is to work toward developing the safest and most effective treatment options for patients with cancer.