Combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy to treat pediatric brain tumors
Official title: Chemo-radio immunotherapy for pediatric brain tumors
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-10691878 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for kids with brain tumors who haven't had success with regular therapies, using a mix of chemotherapy, radiation, and an immune-boosting drug called indoximod to help their bodies fight the cancer better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $570,066 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA229646-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10691878 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-21 who have recurrent brain tumors or DIPG and have not responded to previous treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with brain tumors that are newly diagnosed and have not yet undergone treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new treatment approach for pediatric brain tumors, particularly for children who have not responded to standard therapies. It combines traditional chemotherapy and radiation with an immunotherapy drug called indoximod, which aims to enhance the immune system's ability to fight the tumor. The study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this combination in children with recurrent brain tumors, including those with a particularly aggressive type known as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). By targeting the immune response, the researchers hope to improve survival rates for these patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for children with difficult-to-treat brain tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar immunotherapy approaches in pediatric populations, indicating potential for success in this novel treatment strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Munn, David H. — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Munn, David H.
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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.