Blocking the mesenchymal switch in newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma
Therapeutic targeting mesenchymal transition in newly diagnosed and recurrent GBM
A plan to stop tumor cells from shifting into a therapy-resistant mesenchymal state in adults with newly diagnosed or recurrent glioblastoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11182482 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one has glioblastoma, this work looks at how tumors switch into a therapy-resistant mesenchymal state. Researchers are examining human tumor samples and laboratory models to see how common cancer changes like EGFRvIII and PI3K signaling activate NF‑kB (RelA) and recruit BET proteins to turn on this program. They will test whether blocking BET proteins or related signals can prevent the mesenchymal shift and make tumors more sensitive to existing treatments. Promising targets or drug combinations could be moved toward future clinical trials aimed at improving outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with newly diagnosed or recurrent IDH‑wildtype glioblastoma, especially tumors with EGFR alterations or prominent mesenchymal features, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People with non‑glioblastoma brain tumors, IDH‑mutant lower‑grade gliomas, or those who cannot provide tissue samples or tolerate experimental therapies are unlikely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments or drug combinations that reduce therapy resistance and improve responses for people with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work suggests BET inhibitors can blunt mesenchymal programs, but clinical benefit in glioblastoma is still largely unproven and this specific combined-targeting approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Furnari, Frank — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Furnari, Frank
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.