NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

How glioma cancer stem cells produce TRAIL and resist TRAIL therapy

Official title: Endogenous synthesis of TRAIL by glioma cancer stem cells and resistance to TRAIL therapy

Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-10863308 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a type of brain cancer cell makes a protein called TRAIL, which usually helps kill cancer cells, but instead seems to help the tumors grow, and it's aimed at finding better treatments for people with glioma.

More Glioma research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project startSeptember 18, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$478,001
NIH project number1R56NS134148-01
Project IDNIH-10863308 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioma or glioblastoma who may benefit from novel therapeutic strategies targeting TRAIL resistance.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-glioma cancers or those who are not eligible for TRAIL therapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how glioma cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) produce a protein called TRAIL, which is typically involved in inducing cell death in tumors. The study aims to understand why these cancer cells continue to grow despite producing TRAIL, suggesting that it may actually help the tumors thrive. Researchers will explore the mechanisms behind this resistance, including how TRAIL interacts with the cells and how certain proteins may inhibit its effectiveness. By identifying these processes, the research hopes to find new ways to enhance TRAIL therapy for glioma patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for glioma patients by overcoming resistance to TRAIL therapy.

How similar studies have gone: While there has been some research on TRAIL therapy in other cancers, the specific focus on glioma cancer stem cells and their unique resistance mechanisms is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
    Cleveland, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Gladson, Candece L — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
  • Study coordinator: Gladson, Candece L

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.