Dual-action CAR-T treatment for glioblastoma
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A new CAR-T cell therapy that targets glioblastoma cells and boosts immune attack is being tried in people with glioblastoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11377173 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would receive specially engineered immune cells (CAR-T) designed to recognize IL-13Ra2 on glioblastoma cells and to deliver immune-stimulating agents (IL-12 and DR-18) to the tumor area. The cells would be given directly into the tumor and into the brain ventricles so they can act where the tumor lives. Doctors will monitor safety, look for early signs the tumor is shrinking, and study blood and tumor samples to understand why some tumors respond or resist the treatment. The goal is to both kill tumor cells and overcome the tumor’s immune suppression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with glioblastoma—especially those with tumors expressing IL-13Ra2 and who can undergo intratumoral or intraventricular delivery—would be the most suitable candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not express IL-13Ra2, who are too medically frail for neurosurgical procedures, or who need urgent standard therapy may not benefit from this experimental treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If it works, this approach could shrink tumors and strengthen the immune system’s ability to control glioblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Past CAR-T trials in glioblastoma have shown occasional tumor responses and acceptable safety but overall mixed results, making this dual-targeting approach relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liau, Linda M — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Liau, Linda M
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.