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Brain Tumor Scientist is “All in for ABTA”

Albert Lai, M.D., Ph.D. is “All in for ABTA.” Dr. Lai is leading a UCLA research lab for primary brain tumors, including gliomas and glioblastoma, but he credits the launch of his career to the ABTA.

Read Dr. Lai’s story and learn how giving to the ABTA can help jumpstart a brain tumor researcher’s career.

Launching My Research Career

One of the most important parts of my story is the phone call that notified me that I was the recipient of a Basic Research Fellowship from the ABTA. It was the first grant that I had ever received and inspired me to go “all in” for brain tumor research. 

Growing up in a Chinese-American home in Vermont, I had no idea that my career would lead me to become the head of a brain tumor research lab at UCLA.

Growing up in a Chinese-American home in Vermont, I had no idea that my career would lead me to become the head of a brain tumor research lab at UCLA, where I’m investigating personalized targeted therapies and biomarkers, advances that are showing promise in brain tumor treatment. 

But that is exactly where I am today.

Team Brain Tumor Research

Because of the support of ABTA donors, I have continued my research on brain tumors throughout my career working to unlock a discovery to help all of those impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis.

One of my passions is collaborative research which allows me to conduct brain tumor research with a principal investigator at another institution to foster scientific exchange and advance research discoveries.

ABTA research funding launched my career as a brain tumor researcher and continues to play a critical role by providing grants to early-career researchers, including some of my lab trainees at UCLA who are ABTA grant recipients.

The ABTA has been an integral part of my career and I am continually thankful for all that the ABTA and donors have done and continues to do for brain tumor patients and researchers. 

Get “All In for ABTA”

Research funding from the ABTA has played a critical role in Dr. Lai’s success. With your donation to the ABTA, it will allow the ABTA to continue supporting researchers, especially early-career researchers, like Dr. Lai. Your support also helps fund life-enhancing programs and services for the brain tumor community.

Go “All in for ABTA” during Brain Tumor Awareness Month and make a gift today.

Albert Lai, M.D., Ph.D. heads up a brain tumor research lab at UCLA.


 

Make a Difference TOday

Your generosity fuels progress. The American Brain Tumor Association has already invested over $35 million in life-changing brain tumor research, leading to breakthroughs like the FDA approval of vorasidenib, a groundbreaking treatment for low-grade glioma.

Through our Meet Hope Head On campaign, we’re not just funding critical research—we’re also providing free resources and support to patients and caregivers navigating the challenges of a brain tumor diagnosis.

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