Combining immune therapies to improve brain cancer treatment

Proj. 2: Combining immune checkpoint blockade with T cell activation

NIH-funded research Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10876407

This study is looking at ways to make brain cancer treatments work better by combining immune therapies with vaccines and special virus treatments, so that your immune system can fight the cancer more effectively.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10876407 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to enhance the effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockade therapies, specifically anti-PD-1 and CTLA-4, in treating glioblastoma (GBM), a type of brain cancer. The approach focuses on improving T cell activation and priming by combining these therapies with other treatments like vaccination and oncolytic virus therapy. By understanding the timing and combination of these therapies, the research aims to convert GBM tumors from immunologically 'cold' to 'hot', potentially leading to better patient outcomes. Patients may be involved in trials that assess these combination therapies and their effects on immune responses against tumors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with glioblastoma who have not responded adequately to standard therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those who have already undergone extensive treatment for glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for glioblastoma, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using combination therapies for other cancers, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in glioblastoma.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Brain Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.