Better human glioma models to guide personalized brain cancer treatment
Credentialing next-generation human glioma models for precision therapeutics
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · NIH-11252566
This project builds improved human tumor models to help doctors find targeted drugs that work for people with EGFR-driven brain tumors.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11252566 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will make human glioma models that copy key features of EGFR-driven brain tumors, including the mix of different tumor cells and how tumors hide behind the blood-brain barrier. They will use CRISPR genome editing, sequencing, and chemical proteomics to map how tumors respond and develop resistance to EGFR-targeted drugs. The team will test therapies and drug combinations in these models to find approaches that reach invasive tumor cells and overcome adaptive resistance. Successful models will be shared so other labs can use them to speed up new treatment options.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with primary brain tumors that have EGFR alterations, or patients willing to donate tumor samples for model development, would be the most relevant candidates for this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not have EGFR changes or who need immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to more effective targeted therapies or drug combinations that reach invasive tumor cells and work for patients with EGFR-driven gliomas.
How similar studies have performed: Similar targeted approaches have worked in EGFR-driven lung cancer and lab proteomics methods have shown promise, but faithful EGFR-driven glioma models and effective EGFR therapies for brain tumors remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM — BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MILLER, CHRISTOPHER RYAN — UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- Study coordinator: MILLER, CHRISTOPHER RYAN
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.
Conditions: Brain Cancer