Enhancing glioblastoma treatment by targeting tumor-supporting immune cells
Official title: Improving glioma radiotherapy by theragnostic targeting of tumor-supporting macrophages
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11056734 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to make radiation therapy work better for people with glioblastoma by using a safe, approved drug to target certain immune cells in the tumor, hoping to help the treatment be more effective for both newly diagnosed and returning patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $343,172 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131160-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056734 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma, whether newly diagnosed or experiencing a recurrence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who do not have glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to improve radiotherapy for glioblastoma patients by targeting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) with an FDA-approved drug called ferumoxytol. The goal is to understand how this targeting can enhance the effectiveness of radiotherapy, which is often limited by the tumor's ability to resist treatment. By reducing the number of immunosuppressive TAMs, the researchers aim to make glioma cells more sensitive to radiation and boost the body's anti-tumor immune response. The study will focus on both newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma patients to evaluate the potential benefits of this combined treatment strategy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for glioblastoma, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting tumor-associated macrophages to enhance cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be effective for glioblastoma as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scarpelli, Matthew — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Scarpelli, Matthew
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Enhanced radiotherapy for pediatric glioma using targeted DNA damage pathways
A new approach aims to make radiotherapy work better for children with a deadly brain tumor by using drugs that tweak how cancer cells handle DNA damage.
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Targeting tumor-supporting immune cells to boost brain tumor radiation
This project tests whether adding the FDA-approved iron agent ferumoxytol to standard radiation can help people with glioblastoma respond better.
-
Improving radiation treatment for children's brain tumors
This project looks for new ways to make radiation treatment more effective for children with a serious type of brain tumor called diffuse midline glioma.
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Improving radiotherapy for children's brain tumors
This study is looking for better ways to help kids with a tough brain cancer called diffuse midline gliomas by using special techniques to find new treatments that can work alongside radiation therapy, with the hope of improving their chances of recovery.
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Next‑gen oncolytic virus therapy for glioblastoma targeting AKT and ERK
A new cancer therapy using an engineered oncolytic virus to fight glioblastoma by blocking AKT/ERK signals and boosting the body’s immune response, with potential to reduce seizures and improve quality of life.
-
Bone marrow immune cells and glioma progression in teens and young adults
A study in adolescents and young adults with brain tumors looks at how immune cells from bone marrow may influence the progression from low-grade to high-grade 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.