Identifying targets to improve immune response in brain cancer
Official title: Defining Therapeutically Targetable Regulators of Tumor-Intrinsic Immune Suppression in Glioblastoma
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11221425 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how some cancer stem cells in glioblastoma can hide from the immune system, with the hope of finding new ways to help the body fight this tough brain cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 7, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $99,216 |
| NIH project number | 4K00CA284254-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11221425 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme who may benefit from novel therapeutic approaches targeting immune suppression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not diagnosed with glioblastoma may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a highly aggressive brain cancer, and aims to understand the mechanisms that allow certain cancer stem cells to suppress the immune response. By studying glioma stem cells and their interactions with the tumor microenvironment, the research seeks to identify vulnerabilities that can be targeted with new therapies. Utilizing advanced technologies like single-cell sequencing and spatially resolved omics, the team will analyze clinical GBM samples to uncover potential therapeutic targets. The ultimate goal is to develop treatments that can enhance the body's immune response against these tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve immune responses in patients with glioblastoma, potentially enhancing treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting immune suppression in various cancers, suggesting that this approach could be effective for glioblastoma as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Amanda — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Amanda
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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.