Combining DNA-repair blocker drugs with chemotherapy for glioblastoma
Novel DNA damage response inhibitor and alkylator combinations for GBM
This project combines drugs that block DNA-repair (ATM/ATR inhibitors) with alkylating chemotherapy to try to better kill glioblastoma brain tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11189643 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are testing whether drugs that block the ATM and ATR DNA-repair proteins can make standard alkylating chemotherapies like temozolomide work better against glioblastoma. They will use lab and preclinical models and partner with pharmaceutical companies to study brain-penetrant ATM and ATR inhibitors in combination with alkylators and radiation. The team already has early lab evidence showing strong synergy between temozolomide and ATR inhibitors in glioblastoma models. If this work translates, it could move these combinations into clinical trials for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with newly diagnosed or recurrent glioblastoma who are receiving or eligible for alkylating chemotherapy (for example temozolomide) would be the likely candidates.
Not a fit: People with other types of brain tumors, those not eligible for chemotherapy, or patients with medical conditions that prevent use of ATM/ATR inhibitors may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make standard chemotherapy more effective against glioblastoma and help control tumor growth longer.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies and collaborations with the NCI and pharma have shown promising synergy between temozolomide and ATR inhibitors in lab models, but clear benefit in patients has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bindra, Ranjit — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Bindra, Ranjit
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.