How gliomas change metabolism to grow
Metabolic mechanisms of glioma progression
['FUNDING_R01'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11235915
Looking at how changes in tumor metabolism drive aggressive adult gliomas so researchers can find new treatment targets.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11235915 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers measure hundreds of small molecules in tumor tissue removed during adult brain surgery to map metabolic differences between high-grade gliomas, lower-grade gliomas, brain metastases, and normal brain. They used mass spectrometry on 91 surgical specimens and found widespread reprogramming of an anabolic pathway in high-grade tumors that resembles a known inherited metabolic disorder. The team will perform follow-up laboratory studies to determine how those metabolic changes promote tumor growth and whether blocking the pathway slows progression. The goal is to translate these findings into biomarkers or new therapies that could help people with aggressive gliomas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with glioma, especially those undergoing surgery who can donate tumor tissue or share clinical data, would be ideal candidates to contribute to this research.
Not a fit: Pediatric patients, people with non-glioma brain conditions, or those who cannot provide surgical tissue or clinical follow-up are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify new drug targets or biomarkers that lead to better treatments or earlier detection for people with aggressive gliomas.
How similar studies have performed: Metabolomics has revealed actionable metabolic vulnerabilities in other cancers, but applying this specific anabolic-pathway finding to glioma treatment is relatively new and still being tested.
Where this research is happening
DALLAS, UNITED STATES
- UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER — DALLAS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MCBRAYER, SAMUEL KENT — UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: MCBRAYER, SAMUEL KENT
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.
Conditions: Brain Cancer