A new telomerase-targeting drug (6-thio-dG) for adult glioblastoma
6-thio-2'-deoxyguanosine: A Novel Immunogenic Telomerase-Mediated Therapy in Glioblastoma - A Duke and UTSW Collaboration
This project sees if the drug 6‑thio‑dG, which targets telomerase, can trigger immune responses and help shrink tumors in adults with glioblastoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11164683 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have glioblastoma, this project is studying a drug called 6‑thio‑dG that targets an enzyme (telomerase) common in these tumors. Researchers will use lab-grown tumor models and animal experiments to examine how the drug causes DNA damage and activates both innate and adaptive immune responses. Those lab findings will be used to design an early clinical trial that could open to adults with GBM at Duke, UTSW, or partner sites. The team combines tumor biology, immune studies, and trial planning to move promising lab results toward patient testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) diagnosed with glioblastoma who meet clinical eligibility and can travel to participating centers would be the primary candidates.
Not a fit: People whose tumors lack telomerase activity, those in poor overall health, or those unable to attend trial centers may not receive benefit from this effort.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could become a new targeted treatment that shrinks tumors and boosts the immune system against glioblastoma, potentially improving outcomes with fewer off-target effects.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical animal studies of 6‑thio‑dG and related telomere-targeting approaches have shown tumor regression and immune activation, but human effectiveness is not yet proven and clinical testing is still needed.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ashley, David M. — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Ashley, David M.
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.