Gene therapy using retroviruses to enhance immune response against glioblastoma

Retroviral RLI immunomodulatory gene therapy for glioblastoma

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10909236

This study is testing a new way to treat glioblastoma by using a special gene therapy that helps boost the immune system right at the tumor site, and it's designed for patients looking for better options to fight their cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10909236 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel approach to treat glioblastoma by using a retroviral gene therapy that delivers an interleukin-15 fusion protein directly into the tumor. The therapy aims to enhance the proliferation of immune cells, specifically CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for fighting cancer. By targeting the tumor microenvironment locally, this method seeks to overcome the limitations of traditional systemic immunotherapies that have shown little success. The study will also explore combining this therapy with other immunomodulatory strategies to improve its effectiveness.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma who have not responded to conventional treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with non-brain tumors or those who are not diagnosed with glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve survival rates and immune responses in patients with glioblastoma.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise with localized viral treatments for glioblastoma, but this specific approach using retroviral gene therapy is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.