Blocking T-type calcium channels in glioblastoma
Calcium Channels in Glioblastoma
This project looks at whether blocking a specific type of calcium channel can slow glioblastoma growth and help treatments work better for people with this aggressive brain cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160674 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers will use mouse models that keep the immune system intact, human tumor samples, and lab-grown glioblastoma stem cells to study how T-type calcium channels help tumors grow. They will use CRISPR-based genetic screens and protein studies to find the key molecules and pathways linked to these channels. The team will test drugs that block these channels alone and together with other therapies to see how tumors and the surrounding brain environment respond. The aim is to identify promising ways to target these channels that could move toward clinical testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with newly diagnosed or recurrent glioblastoma, particularly those whose tumors show high levels of T-type calcium channels, would be the most likely candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients with non-glioblastoma brain tumors or glioblastomas that do not depend on T-type calcium channels may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that slow tumor growth and improve responses to existing therapies for people with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies have suggested T-type calcium channel blockers can limit tumor cell growth, but clinical benefit in people has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abounader, Roger — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Abounader, Roger
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.