Developing biomarkers to improve surgery for vestibular schwannoma and Neurofibromatosis Type 2
Official title: Engineering protease biomarkers to guide surgical therapy for vestibular schwannoma and Neurofibromatosis Type 2
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11007173 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help people with vestibular schwannomas and Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) by finding special markers that can tell doctors how aggressive a tumor is, so they can use new technology to make surgery safer and recovery easier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $184,001 |
| NIH project number | 5K08DC020761-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007173 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with vestibular schwannomas or Neurofibromatosis Type 2, particularly those experiencing aggressive tumor growth or cystic degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with sporadic vestibular schwannomas that do not exhibit aggressive characteristics may not receive significant benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving surgical outcomes for patients with vestibular schwannomas and Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) by identifying specific biomarkers that can help classify aggressive tumors. The approach involves using advanced nanotechnology tools to enhance the precision of tumor removal during surgery, which is currently the only treatment option available. By understanding the mechanisms behind tumor growth and cystic degeneration, the research aims to provide surgeons with better intraoperative guidance, potentially reducing complications and improving recovery for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective surgical techniques that minimize complications and improve quality of life for patients with vestibular schwannomas and NF2.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using biomarkers and nanotechnology in surgical settings is innovative, similar research has shown promise in improving surgical outcomes in other tumor types.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ren, Yin — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Ren, Yin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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3D MRI Elastography to Peek at Vestibular Schwannoma Stiffness and How It Relates to Surgery
This study tests whether 3D MRI elastography can noninvasively measure how stiff vestibular schwannomas are and how firmly they stick to nearby tissues, to help predict surgical difficulty and outcomes.
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Vestibular rehabilitation for adults having surgery for a unilateral vestibular schwannoma
This trial tests whether home-based vestibular telerehabilitation before and after surgery, and adding preoperative rotatory chair sessions, can help adults recover balance and reduce dizziness after removal of a unilateral vestibular schwannoma.
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Testing brain vestibular centers after vestibular schwannoma surgery with MRI
We’re testing whether brain areas that control balance light up differently in people after vestibular schwannoma surgery compared to healthy individuals using MRI.
-
Steroids to protect facial nerve function after skull-base surgery for vestibular schwannoma
This trial tests whether giving steroids after vestibular schwannoma surgery helps preserve facial nerve function compared with a placebo.
-
Rehabilitation for patients with vestibular deficits using head impulse testing
This study is testing a new rehabilitation method using head movement exercises to help people with balance issues from vestibular problems, like vestibular schwannoma, see if it improves their eye and balance function compared to a simple eye movement treatment.
-
Using special MRI to detect inflammation in brain tumors
This study is testing a special MRI technique that uses a contrast agent to see if it can help doctors spot inflammation in brain tumors like vestibular schwannomas and gliomas.
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.