How radiation changes blood vessels in glioblastoma

Radiation-induced vascular reprogramming in glioblastoma

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11242022

Researchers are looking at how radiation causes glioblastoma cells to become blood-vessel–like so they can find ways to stop tumors from growing back after treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-11242022 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project uses lab-grown glioblastoma cells and animal models to see how radiation makes tumor cells act like endothelial cells and pericytes that line blood vessels. The team will identify the signals and altered gene control (chromatin) that let these reprogrammed vascular cells support tumor regrowth. By tracking what the reprogrammed cells produce, researchers hope to pinpoint targets that could be blocked to prevent recurrence. Ultimately, the work aims to turn those findings into treatments that improve how well radiation works for people with glioblastoma.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People diagnosed with glioblastoma—especially those receiving radiation or with recurrent tumors—would be the most relevant group for future clinical steps arising from this research.

Not a fit: Patients without glioblastoma or those with brain conditions not treated with radiation are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this preclinical research in the near term.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent tumor regrowth after radiation and extend time without recurrence for people with glioblastoma.

How similar studies have performed: Previous anti-angiogenic therapies for glioblastoma have had limited success, and early lab and animal data suggest radiation-driven vascular reprogramming is a promising but still experimental area.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, 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.