Faculty News

Tim Lynch Publishes Research on Glioblastoma Not many people have the opportunity to research their own type of cancer. But in November 2019, PC science teacher Tim Lynch Hon. 1689, who survived glioblastoma multiforme and was given only nine months to live at the time, published his research on glioblastoma in the scientific journal Acta Neuropathologica Communications.

Co-first author, Lynch spent four years researching and writing “Immune Landscapes Associated with Different Glioblastoma Molecular Subtypes.” His research included a sabbatical in 2013-14 spent working with other scientists in the Neurosurgery Department at the University of Pennsylvania.

Lynch’s team researched preserved tumor specimens from the University of Pennsylvania’s glioblastoma patients, with a focus on the immune cells that cohabitate with brain cancer cells. Four different molecular subtypes of glioblastoma were identified by researchers at other institutions. Lynch studied immune cells living in the tumor microenvironment (the space between tumor cells) by subtype to determine if particular immune cells impact survival.

To streamline the examination of 4,500 samples, Lynch’s tools included a specialized microscope system that utilized a robotic arm to load and unload slides and take micrographs (photos) of specimens that were later analyzed with image-interpreting software. His team trained the software to reliably distinguish among immune cells, normal brain cells and brain tumor cells in each sample. The method used to locate immune cells uses components— antibodies—of the immune system to target and label the immune cells. “We’re the first group to use immunohistopathlogy to locate the cells we were studying,” Lynch said. “Most researchers use molecular protocols to more rapidly identify cells. I wanted to see it for myself. It gave us a visual—a picture of where the immune cells were—to more accurately illustrate our research findings.” Though currently on disability for treatment of medical issues he is facing in the aftermath of the glioblastoma he survived 27 years ago, Lynch is at Penn Charter to help students as needed— and to instill in them a love for the scientific method. “Science is a marathon, not a sprint,” he said. “The process itself is amazing.” PC

Tim Lynch worked to establish relationships with world-class scientists that yielded real-world experiences for many PC students. He is shown here in 2017 on the Penn campus with three of those students: Amanda Fleming OPC ’12, Jack Roseman OPC ’17 and Jennie Reisman OPC ’17.

Joan Costello Hon. 1689 Joe Perrott Hon. 1689

Penn Charter lost two iconic educators this year. Read tributes and remembrances at penncharter.com/alumni.