Augmenting immunotherapy effects in glioma patients
Official title: Augmenting immunotherapy pharmacodynamics in glioma
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11299707 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A trial aims to see if adding DFMO to pembrolizumab can boost immune response and help people with grade 4 astrocytomas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $712,838 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3NS140118-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11299707 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with grade 4 astrocytoma (glioblastoma) who are eligible for DFMO and pembrolizumab therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have contraindications to DFMO or pembrolizumab or whose tumors do not demonstrate a compatible immune profile may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This research tests a combination therapy for glioma patients, focusing on how blocking polyamine production with DFMO may enhance the body’s immune attack when paired with pembrolizumab. The study will look at immune activity in tumor tissue and cerebrospinal fluid to understand how the treatment works biologically. It is a phase I/IIa trial designed to assess safety and immune response rather than only survival outcomes. If successful, it could explain how to make immunotherapy more effective for glioblastoma and similar tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience a stronger immune response against glioma and potentially improved outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data show DFMO can reduce immunosuppression and improve response to PD-1 inhibitors in gliomas, with some early clinical trials suggesting tolerability of each agent individually.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burns, Terry — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Burns, Terry
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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.