Finding new ways to treat meningioma brain tumors
Understanding druggable drivers of meningioma tumorigenesis
This project looks for new medicine targets to help patients with meningioma, a common type of brain tumor.
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 ID | NIH-11139406 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are exploring the biology of meningioma, a common brain tumor, especially since current drug treatments are limited. Our team has analyzed many human meningioma samples to understand the different types of these tumors and their unique characteristics. We've also created new lab models, including organoids and patient-derived models, to better understand how these tumors grow. Our early findings suggest that a specific pathway, involving CDK6, might be key to tumor growth, and we are testing if existing drugs can block this pathway. The goal is to identify effective treatments and markers that predict which patients will respond best to these new therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients diagnosed with meningioma, particularly older adults, women, and African American patients who are often underrepresented in clinical trials.
Not a fit: Patients without meningioma or those whose tumors do not involve the specific pathways being studied may not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the first effective drug treatments for meningioma patients, especially those with aggressive forms of the tumor.
How similar studies have performed: While there are no effective pharmacologic treatments for meningioma currently, CDK4/6 inhibitors have shown success in treating other types of cancer, suggesting a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raleigh, David R — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Raleigh, David R
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.