Creating a new treatment for a rare brain cancer in children.
Official title: Development of a novel, CNS-penetrant synthetic triterpenoid for pediatric high-grade glioma.
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10993127 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for kids with a tough brain tumor called DIPG, aiming to make it safer and more effective by understanding how radiation therapy interacts with the brain's immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $188,169 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA280426-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993127 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with high-grade glioma, including DIPG.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel synthetic triterpenoid aimed at treating pediatric high-grade glioma, particularly a rare type called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). The approach involves understanding how radiation therapy affects the brain's immune response and using this knowledge to inhibit harmful signals that contribute to tumor growth. By targeting specific molecules involved in inflammation, the researchers hope to create a safer and more effective treatment option for young patients. The study will involve preclinical models to assess the efficacy and safety of this new therapeutic agent.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking treatment that significantly improves survival rates and quality of life for children with high-grade glioma.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, there is evidence from other studies that targeting inflammatory pathways can be beneficial in treating similar conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Letterio, John James — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Letterio, John James
Related research
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-
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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.