Immune cell therapy using olfactory-support cells for adult glioblastoma
Immuno-Cell Therapy for Brain Tumors
A new cell-based immune therapy uses olfactory-support cells to target glioblastoma in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262327 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to develop immune cell therapies that attack both glioblastoma tumor cells and the therapy-resistant glioma stem cells while sparing normal brain tissue. Researchers are studying olfactory ensheathing cells (support cells from the nose that can enter the brain) for their ability to migrate toward tumors and deliver anti-tumor signals or carry engineered immune functions. The work includes lab and animal experiments to test how these cells home to tumors, kill cancer cells, and affect tumor recurrence, with the goal of designing approaches that could be used safely in patients. If promising, the team plans steps to translate the approach toward treatments that could use a patient's own cells (autologous transplantation).
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older diagnosed with glioblastoma, particularly those eligible for surgical procedures and cell-based interventions, are the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Children, people with non-glioblastoma brain tumors, or patients who cannot undergo surgical cell collection or transplantation may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower the chance of tumor recurrence and improve survival for adults with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Other cell therapies for glioblastoma, such as CAR-T approaches, have had limited success to date, and using olfactory ensheathing cells is a novel and largely untested strategy.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Breakefield, Xandra Owens — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Breakefield, Xandra Owens
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.