A new approach to reduce side effects in treating pediatric brain tumors.
Official title: A multifunctional nanomaterial platform for reducing morbidity in medulloblastoma therapy
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11002003 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to treat medulloblastoma, a tough brain tumor in kids, by using a special material that can find and attack cancer cells without hurting healthy ones, making treatment safer and more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | December 18, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,222 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS135452-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002003 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with medulloblastoma who are undergoing or are candidates for surgical treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not eligible for surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving treatment for medulloblastoma, a common and aggressive brain tumor in children. It aims to develop a multifunctional nanomaterial that can target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. The approach involves using a self-assembled nanomaterial that generates reactive oxygen species when activated by ultrasound, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of treatment while reducing harmful side effects. By combining imaging capabilities with targeted therapy, this research seeks to improve the quality of life for young patients undergoing treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer treatment options for children with medulloblastoma, reducing long-term side effects and improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of nanomaterials in cancer therapy is a growing field, this specific approach utilizing sonodynamic therapy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in medulloblastoma.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yildirim, Adem — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Yildirim, Adem
Related research
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Overcoming medulloblastoma resistance in kids using in vivo perturb-seq and preclinical therapies
A patient-focused study aiming to find new, less toxic ways to treat pediatric medulloblastoma by using advanced genetic screening to identify effective drug targets in preclinical models.
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Dysregulation of a key gene complex and its role in Group 4 medulloblastoma
A study explores how disruption of a core gene complex in brain development may drive Group 4 medulloblastoma and seeks to understand new ways to help affected children.
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.