Professor Darlene Lubbe

Research Interests

My research interest is investigating meningiomas, the most common form of brain tumour, within the South African population, aiming to assess whether unique regional or environmental factors influence tumour incidence, growth patterns, and progression. By identifying potential risk factors specific to African populations, our work contributes to improving early detection, risk stratification, and targeted interventions. By doing so it aims to advance neuroscience research, address health disparities, and enhance patient outcomes through an evidence-based approach.

I am an ENT surgeon specialising in endoscopic sinus, skull base, and transorbital surgery. My specific area of expertise is transorbital approaches, using the orbit as a corridor to access deep sinus, skull base, and intracranial spaces. These include endoscopic optic nerve decompressions (to improve vision), tumour removal via transorbital access, and transorbital sphenoid wing meningioma surgery, the latter being investigated in local populations with respect to growth patterns and risk factors.

I am also involved in medical device development and co-developed the Trachealator, a non-occlusive balloon device, which won the 2021 USA Gold Winner Medical Design Excellence Award.

Web of Science Researcher ID: IAR-5681-2023, Scopus author ID:  8522520600

Research Areas

Clinical Neuroscience