How dietary fats affect brain tumor growth in children
Official title: Mechanism and functional consequences of dietary lipids in lineage specification and tumor growth in oncohistone gliomas
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11054591 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain healthy fats in our diet might help slow down the growth of aggressive brain tumors in children, with the hope of finding new ways to treat these tough conditions and improve the lives of young patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $702,459 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA286537-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054591 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old diagnosed with diffuse midline gliomas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those over the age of 11 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of dietary lipids, specifically n3-polyunsaturated fatty acids, in the development and growth of aggressive brain tumors known as diffuse midline gliomas in children. The study aims to understand how these dietary fats can influence the differentiation of tumor cells and potentially reduce their tumorigenic properties. By examining the chromatin architecture and signaling pathways involved, the research seeks to uncover new therapeutic strategies that could improve outcomes for young patients with these tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary recommendations or treatments that help slow down or reduce the growth of aggressive brain tumors in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using dietary interventions to influence tumor behavior, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Danial, Nika N — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Danial, Nika N
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.