
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Daniel Laheru
Professional Titles
- Co-Director, Skip Viragh Center for Pancreas Cancer Clinical Research and Patient Care
- Ian T. MacMillan Professorship in Clinical Pancreatic Cancer Research
Primary Academic Title
Professor of Oncology
Background
Dr. Daniel Laheru is a cancer specialist in Baltimore, caring for patients with pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer and neuroendocrine cancers. Dr. Laheru serves as co-director of the Skip Viragh Center for Pancreas Cancer Clinical Research and Patient Care at Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Dr. Laheru received his undergraduate degree in chemistry from The University of Utah. He earned his M.D. at Baylor College of Medicine. He completed his residency at The University of Utah Hospital and Clinics and performed a fellowship in medical oncology at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and The Johns Hopkins Oncology Center. Dr. Laheru joined the Johns Hopkins faculty in 2001.
Dr. Laheru's research interests include pancreatic cancer and chemotherapy resistance in pancreatic cancer. With Elizabeth Jaffee, M.D., he developed a vaccine that supercharges the immune system and causes immune cells, which tend to be tolerant of cancer, to seek out and kill pancreatic cancer cells throughout the body.
He has given numerous invited talks on pancreatic cancer and other cancers both nationally and internationally. He has authored over 200 papers focused on pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Laheru serves as associate editor of Annals of Pancreatic Cancer. He has been recognized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology with the Young Investigator Award, by the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins as an Isaac and Catharine Hecht Scholar and has been elected to the Miller-Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence. He is a member of the American College of Physicians, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Association for Cancer Research.
Centers and Institutes
Clinical Trial Keywords
Immunotherapy; Vaccine; Pancreas Cancer; Pancreatic Cancer
Research Interests
Chemotherapy Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer
Research Summary
In collaboration with Dr. Elizabeth Jaffee, Dr. Laheru has developed clinical studies to optimize an immune therapy approach using GM-CSF transfected pancreatic cell lines as a vaccine in two distinct patient populations. First, the vaccine has been integrated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy in patients with resected pancreatic cancer who are at risk for disease recurrence. Second, the vaccine has been integrated with novel molecular targeted drugs such as EGFR inhibitors and anti-CTLA-4 antibody and with immune-modulating doses of Cytoxan in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. He has also incorporated correlative studies that should provide important information to better understand optimal vaccine boosting schedules as well as to identify antigens that can be predictive markers for anti-pancreatic cancer immune responses.
Selected Publications
Balaji A, Zhang J, Wills B, Marrone KA, Elmariah H, Yarchoan M, Zimmerman JW, Hajjir K, Venkatraman D, Armstrong DK, Laheru DA, Mehra R, Ho WJ, Reuss JE, Heng J, Vellanki P, Donehower RC, Holdhoff M, Naidoo J; Immune-Related Adverse Events Requiring Hospitalization: Spectrum of Toxicity, Treatment, and Outcomes. J Oncol Pract. 2019 Sep 15(9):25-34
De Jesus-Acosta A, Sugar EA, O'Dwyer PJ, Ramanathan RK, Von Hoff DD, Rasheed Z, Zheng L, Begum A, Anders R, Maitra A, McAllister F, Rajeshkumar NV, Yabuuchi S, de Wilde RF, Batukbhai B, Sahin I, Laheru DA; Phase 2 study of vismodegib, a hedgehog inhibitor, combined with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel in patients with untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Br J Cancer. 2019 Dec 20
Groot VP, Mosier S, Javed AA, Teinor JA, Gemenetzis G, Ding D, Haley LM, Yu J, Burkhart RA, Hasanain A, Debeljak M, Kamiyama H, Narang A, Laheru DA, Zheng L, Lin MT, Gocke CD, Fishman EK, Hruban RH, Goggins MG, Molenaar IQ, Cameron JL, Weiss MJ, Velculescu VE, He J, Wolfgang CL, Eshleman JR; Circulating Tumor DNA as a Clinical Test in Resected Pancreatic Cancer. Clin Cancer Res. 2019 Sep 15;25(18):5493-5502
Osipov A, Zaidi N, Laheru DA; Dual Checkpoint Inhibition in Pancreatic Cancer: Revealing the Limitations of Synergy and the Potential of Novel Combinations. JAMA Oncol. 2019 Jul 18
Yarchoan M, Huang CY, Zhu Q, Ferguson AK, Durham JN, Anders RA, Thompson ED, Rozich NS, Thomas DL 2nd, Nauroth JM, Rodriguez C, Osipov A, De Jesus-Acosta A, Le DT, Murphy AG, Laheru D, Donehower RC, Jaffee EM, Zheng L, Azad NS; A phase 2 study of GVAX colon vaccine with cyclophosphamide and pembrolizumab in patients with mismatch repair proficient advanced colorectal cancer. Cancer Med. 2019 Dec 26
Courses & Syllabi
Adult Cancer Small Group Discussion Section on Neoplastic Diseases for Second Year Medical Student Pathophysiology Course, 1/1/00
Honors
- Election to Miller-Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence, 1/1/15
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Leadership Development Program, 1/1/10
- Ian T. MacMillan Professorship in Clinical Pancreatic Cancer Research, 1/1/10
- Isaac and Catharine Hecht Scholar, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, 1/1/02
- American Society of Clinical Oncology, Young Investigator Award, 1/1/00
- American Association for Cancer Research Bristol Myers Squibb Oncology Fellowship in Clinical Research, 1/1/00
- Co-Outstanding Senior Resident, University of Utah Department of Medicine, 1/1/98
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Training Fellowship for Medical Students, 1/1/93
- Sarnoff Cardiovascular Research Fellow, 1/1/92
- Phi Beta Kappa, University of Utah, 1/1/90
- Magna cum laude, University of Utah, 1/1/90
- Honors Baccalaureate Scholarship, University of Utah, 1/1/90
Memberships
- American College of Physicians
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
- American Association for Cancer Research
Professional Activities
- Annals of Pancreatic Cancer, Associate Editor, 1/1/17
- ASCO metastatic cancer guidelines clinical care committee, Co-Chair, 1/1/15
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
- 10803 Falls Road, Pavilion III STE 1500, Lutherville, MD 21093
- phone: 410-583-2970
- fax: 410-583-2980
- Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Center
- 201 North Broadway Street, Viragh BLDG 5th FL, Baltimore, MD 21287
- phone: 410-955-8964
- fax: 410-367-2194
Expertise
Education
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Fellowship, Medical Oncology, 2001University of Utah Health
Residency, Internal Medicine, 1998Baylor College of Medicine
Medical Education, MD, 1995Board Certifications
Medical Oncology
American Board of Internal Medicine, 2021Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Humana
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- UnitedHealthcare
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 out of 5
162 ratings, 64 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/7/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/7/2025
Pleasant, knowledgeable, eager to give me the latest and best procedure for my caver therapy
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/5/2025
I am very grateful to have Dr Laheru treating me. He's the best.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/31/2025
This was the best possible interaction
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/22/2025
Dr Laheru is outstanding and excellent doctor. He is kind, caring, helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/17/2025
Made every effort to to explain and simplify possible paths forward for my care without trying to push me in a particular direction
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/3/2025
I was very pleased with my provider
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/3/2025
Dr. Laheru took a great deal of time in reviewing my test and conditions. He offered excellent advice for the course forward for my treatment. He is an outsatanding, caring and extremely knowlegdable doctor. I highly recommend Dr. Laheru.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/22/2024
I was quite pleased to be able to get in with Dr. Laheru,.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/22/2024
Dr. Laheru was very kind. He was very thorough, going through the time line of events that brought me to this visit. He explained things thoroughly & allowed me to ask questions which he also answered & explained well. I was very Impressed by his manner & care. He made me feel comfortable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/22/2024
The Dr was very thorough in explaining my test results and my treatment options. Thestaff was very helpful in making sure my medical records were accurate.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/20/2024
He is excellent but not enough time. Very quick.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/15/2024
Very caring and made understanding what I am going through easier to understand
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/15/2024
The doctor took the time to get an accurate idea about the history of my cancer. He made sure that all of our questions were answered.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/13/2024
I have been a patient of Dr Laheru's for 9 years and he continues to provide the best care for me. He knows my health well and is always available if I have a question or any concern. Dr Laheru always treats me with respect and I know I am in good hands.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/8/2024
My provider was extremely helpful and provided. He had knowledge of all aspects of my health issues. I was somewhat concerned about my lab results from a few months ago, and was hoping for a followup lab test. However, it was not ordered. I am assuming it wasn't needed.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/8/2024
Dr. Laheru is clearly an expert on Pancreatic Cancer, and we are very happy to have access to him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/8/2024
He seemed rushed but was very prepared and willing to explore treatment options
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/6/2024
Dr. Laheru is the best. Goes over scans and has a remarkable memory.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/1/2024
The best human being
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/1/2024
Excellent doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/25/2024
Outstanding doctor. Explains complex medical situation in understandable terms. Shared visuals of Cat scans and comparisons
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/23/2024
I am impressed w Dr Laheru's ability and manner to communicate w his patients on a personal and also on my lever of understanding. His personality in dealing w me as a patient is very much appreciated.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/1/2024
He was very knowledgeable and explained my diagnosis clearly so I could understand. He also explained my plan of care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/1/2024
He was thorough and offered options. He made me feel that he listed to my questions and gave me direct answers
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/27/2024
Very well informed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/25/2024
Eew very confident in his reexpetiise with my
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/13/2024
Dr. Laheru was excellent. I went to him for a second opinion. He had extensive knowlwdge of my case and was able to give information I needed and was extremely helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/11/2024
Very caring person
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/30/2024
Dr. Daniel Laheru is a true professional. He came to my consultation, amazingly prepared His explanation of my condition and discussing the treatment options gave me great comfort His enthusiasm in contacting my other physicians, so I receive optimal care is admirable. I have extreme confidence in Dr Laheru and thankful I was able to be put on his care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/28/2024
Dr. Laheru is my top practitioner that I deal with. Without him I wouldn't be here!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/23/2024
Dr Laheru was patient kind and extremely knowledgeable. I flew from CA to take my mom to this appointment and I can't express how grateful my family Is for his time and expertise.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/21/2024
He is an excellent physician. We trust his judgment and recommendations. He has my best health interests in his priority and concern.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/21/2024
If I were closer to John's Hopkins, I'd want Dr Laheru as my primary oncologist!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/16/2024
Great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/14/2024
Excellent health care provider
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/9/2024
Dr. Laheru was thoroughly prepared to discuss my health history and current concerns. He had pulled the latest research and attached it to my file in order to explain his prognosis going forward.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/9/2024
The doctor listened attentively, treated me with dignity and showed real care and concern for me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/7/2024
Best ever
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/7/2024
He was direct and knowledgeable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/26/2024
Obviously very experienced
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/26/2024
He was prepared and knew my history, he listened to my concerns and he provided testing that I was unaware of.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/17/2024
Very good as always.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/12/2024
He was courteous and attentive to my illness
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/12/2024
Experienced
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/10/2024
Couldn't have asked for a better doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/26/2024
Very satisfied with Dr. Laheru's knowledge and preparation for the visit. The doctor clearly explained my current situation with my pancreatic cancer and possible future treatment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/21/2024
Dr. Laheru was very attentive and professional and completely addressed all of our concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/31/2024
Excellent and very informative.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/29/2024
Dr. Laheru is a very kind, and understanding doctor. I am pleased with my care from him. He takes the time to answer all my questions and I don't feel rushed out without knowing what to expect next.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/29/2024
Everyone was professional and great.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/24/2024
Dr. Laheru was very professional and shared his knowledge and wisdom with us and provided us with salient options for care. He was very informed about my condition and had done investigation regarding my scans and tests.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/24/2024
Over all experience was very positive
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/10/2024
I really liked the doctor. He was very knowledgeable and helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/3/2024
Best in the world.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/3/2024
He has excellent knowledge in reading CT image.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/26/2024
Appt was made thru my provider in reading PA. Response time was very quick. Dr. Laheru was kind, respectful and knowledgable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/26/2024
Prepared. Efficient
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/26/2024
He was incredibly knowledgeable and confident. Appreciated the details provided and additional time spent for questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/24/2024
I always enjoy seeing Dr. Laheru. He is friendly and positive but I would always like to know a bit more about my condition and my odds and new research on neuroendocrine tumors - just come away knowing more than when I went in. My encounters are quite brief, but mostly because I have recieved good news.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/19/2024
I like all doctors take care of me
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/10/2024
Compassionate and excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/10/2024
Provided thorough knowledge of my health concerns and discussed options for next steps in dealing with my illness. Committed to discuss next course of treatment with my local oncologist.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/5/2024
Quite professional and Knowledgeable.Also compassionate and very attentive Concerns and questions.