Leading the fight against brain tumors, together

Providing the full spectrum of care to patients with brain tumors and promoting research that will enhance care for generations to come is the goal of The Brain Tumor Institute at Mayfield.

The Mayfield Education & Research Foundation launched the Brain Tumor Institute to enhance access to clinical trials for patients with brain tumors and recruit specialists who can improve care for patients at multiple hospital systems. The vision is to make Greater Cincinnati a national destination for elite brain tumor care.

"Patients with brain tumors need coordinated support from a range of surgeons and specialists, no matter where they receive their care. The Brain Tumor Institute at Mayfield will help build the infrastructure to move us toward that ambitious goal."

Dr. DiNapoli

"The Brain Tumor Institute is a natural extension of decades of serving patients with brain tumors, including research innovation and collaboration with specialists around the country." 

~ Vincent DiNapoli, MD, PhD 
Director, Brain Tumor Institute at Mayfield
Neurosurgeon, Mayfield Brain & Spine 

Dr. Tobler

"Patients will benefit from the expertise of collaborating physicians, researchers and other providers, coordinated through Mayfield, to provide the best treatment options for each individual."

~ William D. Tobler, MD
Chairman, Mayfield Education & Research Foundation
Neurosurgeon (retired), Mayfield Brain & Spine




Dr. Soma Sengupta
Dr. Soma Sengupta

Mayfield Scholar

With the Brain Tumor Institute, the Mayfield Education & Research Foundation and Mayfield Brain & Spine are a hub for research and clinical care for brain tumor patients. One of the first steps in development of the Brain Tumor Institute is collaboration with accomplished neuro-oncologist Dr. Soma Sengupta, vice chair of research in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of North Carolina. As part of a new Mayfield Scholar program, Dr. Sengupta will enhance clinical trial access for patients at UNC and other sites.

The Mayfield Foundation launched the Mayfield Scholar program in 2024 to enhance care and promote best practices around research and treatment of brain tumors and other cranial disorders. Mayfield Scholars will engage experts to work with researchers and specialists in Greater Cincinnati, collaborating with the neurosurgeons of Mayfield Brain & Spine as part of the multidisciplinary Brain Tumor Institute at Mayfield.

Dr. Sengupta's work with the Brain Tumor Institute is part of a new agreement between the Mayfield Education & Research Foundation and the University of North Carolina Health Foundation. The Mayfield Foundation made a substantial donation to the UNC Health Foundation to support ongoing brain tumor research.

Dr. Sengupta's expertise establishes the Brain Tumor Institute at Mayfield as a nexus of research and clinical care around brain tumor diagnosis and treatment. Her collaboration with neurosurgeons and other specialists across our region will provide new options for patients and new research activity for clinicians.

Dr. Sengupta will dedicate 60% of her time to brain tumor research, including clinical trials, lab-based research in the UNC SoDa Lab, collaborative research with the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and scientists across the University of North Carolina campus, as well as collaboration with experts in the Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Dayton regions.

In addition to her role as Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Neurosurgery at UNC Health, Dr. Sengupta is also Division Chief of Neuro Oncology and a professor in the Department of Neurology. As a physician-scientist, Dr. Sengupta has published more than 90 scholarly articles publications on clinical trials, case reports, lab-based research, and health care policy. Her primary area of lab-based research looks to improve outcomes for brain tumor patients.