NIH-funded research R01 grant

Combination metabolic therapy for diffuse midline glioma in children

Official title: Combination metabolic therapy for diffuse midline glioma

Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11378158 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A pediatric brain cancer study tests a combination metabolic approach to kill DMG tumor cells in kids.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project startAugust 7, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$1,959,492
NIH project number4R01CA292674-03
Project IDNIH-11378158 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates are children with diffuse midline glioma or patients whose tumor biology shows the H3K27M mutation relevant to the study.

Less likely to help

Patients without DMG or without the specific metabolic targets may not benefit from this approach.

What this research studies

This grant funds research on diffuse midline glioma, an aggressive brain tumor in children, using models based on patient tumors and lab systems. Researchers focus on how the cancer reprograms metabolism and how blocking two metabolic enzymes can trigger tumor cell death. The study uses genetic tools and brain-penetrant compounds to test whether hitting these targets can shrink tumors in animal models and disrupt tumor growth. If successful, the work could point to new, targeted options for children with DMG. The project is led by UC San Francisco experts and aims to translate findings toward clinical testing.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, targeted therapies that improve survival for children with DMG.

How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies have shown that dual inhibition of G6PD and GLO1 can be effective in DMG models, with ongoing translational efforts.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California, San Francisco
    San Francisco, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Viswanath, Pavithra — University of California, San Francisco
  • Study coordinator: Viswanath, Pavithra

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.