Combining MEK pathway inhibition with a special light therapy to treat brain tumors in children
MEK PATHWAY INHIBITION COMBINED WITH 5-AMINOLEVULINIC ACID-PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY FOR THE TREATMENT OF DIFFUSE MIDLINE GLIOMA
This study is testing a new way to treat aggressive brain tumors in children, specifically focusing on a type called DIPG, by combining a special drug with light therapy to help make the treatment more effective and safer for kids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10917381 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a new treatment approach for diffuse midline gliomas (DMG), particularly focusing on diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG), which are aggressive brain tumors in children. The study aims to combine MEK pathway inhibition with photodynamic therapy using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) to enhance the effectiveness of treatment. By targeting specific pathways involved in tumor growth and using light to activate the therapy, the researchers hope to improve drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier and achieve better outcomes for affected children. The research will involve clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of this combined approach.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are children diagnosed with diffuse midline gliomas, particularly those with diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who do not meet the specific criteria for diffuse midline gliomas may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved survival rates and quality of life for children diagnosed with diffuse midline gliomas.
How similar studies have performed: While targeting the MEK pathway has shown promise in other cancers, this specific combination approach for DMG is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Price, Gabrielle Alexia — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Price, Gabrielle Alexia
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.