3D printed glioblastoma model with human blood vessels
A Bioprinted Volumetric Model of Vascularized Glioblastoma
['FUNDING_R01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11160783
Researchers are building a 3D printed mini-glioblastoma using human brain, blood vessel, and tumor cells to better mirror a patient's tumor for faster testing of treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11160783 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use light-based bioprinting to create a small three-dimensional glioblastoma model that includes human neurons, vascular cells, and tumor cells. The lab model will recreate the tumor's extracellular matrix and tissue architecture so scientists can observe how tumor cells grow, migrate, and interact with blood vessels. Because it uses human-derived cells and realistic structure, the model aims to enable higher-throughput testing of drugs compared with current ex vivo methods. This is a laboratory tool intended to speed discovery and prioritization of therapies, not a direct patient treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with glioblastoma who can donate tumor tissue or tumor-derived cells during surgery at the study site.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical benefit or those with other brain conditions not related to glioblastoma are unlikely to benefit directly from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could speed development and selection of treatments that are more likely to work in people with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Related 3D organoid and ex vivo tumor models have aided preclinical testing, but vascularized bioprinted glioblastoma models are newer and remain experimental for predicting patient outcomes.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHANG, Y. SHRIKE — BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: ZHANG, Y. SHRIKE
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.