Exploring new treatments for aggressive brain tumors
Official title: Leveraging reactive metabolite generation in brain tumors
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11048870 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to treat aggressive brain tumors in adults by figuring out how certain substances in the body help these tumors grow, so they can find better treatments that work alongside current options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | December 2, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $655,306 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA288389-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048870 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with gliomas that have mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 or 2 (IDHm).
✕Less likely to help
Patients with gliomas that do not have IDHm mutations or those with other types of brain tumors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative therapies for adult gliomas, particularly those with specific mutations that make them more aggressive. The approach involves understanding how certain metabolites affect tumor growth and how they can be targeted to improve treatment outcomes. By using patient-derived models and biopsies, the researchers aim to identify ways to inhibit tumor growth by disrupting the cancer cells' ability to detoxify harmful substances. The study combines novel drug treatments with existing therapies to enhance their effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with aggressive brain tumors, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in gliomas, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Viswanath, Pavithra — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Viswanath, Pavithra
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Understanding how epigenetic changes drive pediatric brain tumor recurrence and how reversing them could help
A pediatric brain cancer research project is exploring how an epigenetic change (H3K27M) and tumor environment contribute to tumor coming back, using a reversible mouse model to study potential ways to prevent recurrence.
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.