Reitman Lab Overview
Our laboratory studies how molecular alterations drive tumor heterogeneity and treatment response, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic vulnerabilities. We have a particular interest in pediatric and adult brain tumors. We develop genetically engineered mouse and human model systems to directly test how cancer-associated mutations shape tumor biology and therapy resistance. Using these platforms, we seek to uncover targetable mechanisms and design rational combination therapies, particularly at the intersection of radiation, molecular and immune therapies. We are especially interested in biological liabilities created by cancer mutations that can be exploited therapeutically. More broadly, we aim to leverage insights from cancer biology not only for treatment development but also for unconventional applications such as engineering useful proteins and biological tools inspired by disease mutations.
News
LaBella and Duke Faculty Among Authors of the 2024 BraTS-MEN-RT Dataset
In January, Duke Radiation Oncology resident Dominic LaBella, MD (first author), along with Duke Radiation Oncology faculty Chunhao Wang, PhD; John Kirkpatrick, MD, PhD; Scott Floyd, MD, PhD; Zach Reitman, MD, PhD; Trey Mullikin, MD; and Eugene Vaios, MD, MBA, were among the authors of “The 2024 Brain Tumor Segmentation Challenge Meningioma Radiotherapy (BraTS-MEN-RT) dataset,
Reitman Awarded ALSF Grant
Congratulations to Zach Reitman, MD, PhD, who was awarded a 2025 Young Investigator Summit Shark Tank grant from Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF, funded by Northwestern Mutual) for his project, titled "Protecting CAR T Cells from Radiation." Dr. Reitman was chosen as one of six finalists to pitch his concept to a panel of expert "Sharks" at the 2025 Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation Young Investigator Summit on November 6 in Philadelphia, and was selected as one of the two final prize winners.
FLASH Forward: Duke Researchers Explore Ultra-High Dose Rate FLASH Radiation Therapy for Brain Tumors
In an underground facility beneath Duke's campus – the Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory (TUNL) – researchers are testing a new approach to radiation therapy that could transform how brain tumors are treated. Termed FLASH radiation therapy, this technique delivers the same total dose of radiation as traditional radiation therapy, but in ultra-fast bursts.
Vaios, Floyd, Reitman To Collaborate on Pilot Study
In 2022, Eugene Vaios, MD, MBA; Scott Floyd, MD, PhD; and Zach Reitman, MD, PhD, opened a biorepository trial to collect plasma samples from patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors receiving radiation therapy. The aim was to use these samples to identify liquid biomarkers that correlate with tumor biology, treatment response and clinical outcomes.
Reitman Lab Awarded 2024 DCI Grant
Congratulations to Zach Reitman, MD, PhD, who was awarded a $50,000 Spring 2024 Duke Cancer Institute Pilot Project grant for his proposal "Extremophile-derived radioprotectors to potentiate cell therapy."
The project aims to (1) characterize radioprotection conferred upon T cells by expression of extremophile-derived radioprotectant genes, and (2) execute a pooled genetic screen to prioritize genes that radioprotect T cells, with the goal of identifying genetic modifications that protect T cells during radiation therapy.
Reitman Awarded K08, New Investigator Award
Zach Reitman, MD, PhD, was recently awarded a K08CA256045 Mentored Clinician Scientist Career Development Award from NCI entitled "Enhancing the efficacy of Radiation Therapy for brainstem glioma by targeting ATM." The award provides salary support for career development and totals $1.1M over five years; funding started August 1. "The goal of the K08 award is to help me build up my brain tumor research program," said Dr. Reitman. "A key component of the award is mentorship from Dr.
Reitman Awarded Fellow Grant from The St. Baldrick’s Foundation
Zach Reitman, MD, PhD, has been awarded a $97,242 third-year Fellow grant from The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, for a total amount of more than $285,000.
This grant will support Dr. Reitman’s work with childhood brain tumors, specifically identifying new treatment approaches that improve the efficacy of radiation treatments, maximize tumor killing and reduce normal tissue toxicities. The grant will also support career development for Dr. Reitman by giving him critical experience with lab management, leadership and grant writing.
Team Member Spotlight: Zach Reitman, MD, PhD
Dr. Reitman grew up in eastern Pennsylvania and attended the Penn State Schreyer Honors College to earn a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He completed his MD/PhD degrees in the Medical Scientist Training Program here at Duke in 2014. He completed residency in 2019 at the Harvard Radiation Oncology Program, where he trained in radiation oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr.
Contact
Email Dr. Reitman at zjr@duke.edu.
