Finding new ways to overcome treatment resistance in brain tumors.
Official title: Targeting therapeutic resistance in glioblastoma
Funded at VA Boston Health Care System · NIH-11109403 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a tough brain tumor called glioblastoma and aims to find better treatments by targeting a protein that helps the cancer resist current therapies, so that patients can have more effective options for fighting this disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006004-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109403 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme who have experienced limited success with current treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who have not been diagnosed with glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a highly aggressive brain tumor that often resists current treatments. The study aims to understand the role of specific cancer stem cells in GBM that contribute to treatment failure and tumor recurrence. By targeting a protein called ABCB5, which is linked to drug resistance, the researchers hope to develop new therapeutic strategies that can improve patient outcomes. The approach involves blocking ABCB5 to inhibit the growth of these resistant cancer cells, potentially leading to more effective treatments for GBM.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies for glioblastoma, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting cancer stem cells in other malignancies, suggesting that this approach may also be effective in glioblastoma.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Boston Health Care System
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frank, Natasha Y — VA Boston Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Frank, Natasha Y
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CD38-Driven Changes in Brain Tumor Metabolism and Immunity in Glioblastoma
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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.