David N. Franz
Led the landmark trial proving an mTOR inhibitor shrinks life-threatening brain tumors in tuberous sclerosis
MD, pediatric neurologist · Founding Director, TSC Clinic, Cincinnati Children's · Professor of Pediatrics, Univ. of Cincinnati
Tuberous Sclerosis Clinic, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center ↗
Portrait: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Led EXIST-1 (FRA2013, n=117): everolimus shrank SEGA brain tumors ≥50% in 35% vs 0% placebo — an alternative to high-risk neurosurgery. Collaborator on Bissler's 2008 sirolimus trial (BIS2008), groundwork for EXIST-1/2.
Founded and directs one of the longest-running, highest-volume TSC clinics in the US.
Milestones in the Atlas
| Year | Evidence | Study |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | H | Sirolimus for angiomyolipoma in tuberous sclerosis complex or lymphangioleiomyomatosis BIS2008 Collaborated on the earlier sirolimus trial establishing groundwork for EXIST trials. |
| 2013 | H | Efficacy and safety of everolimus for subependymal giant cell astrocytomas associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (EXIST-1): a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial FRA2013 Led EXIST-1, proving everolimus shrinks SEGA brain tumors — cleanest randomized evidence blocking mTOR treats a genetic mTORopathy. |