Immune cells and brain swelling in glioblastoma
Official title: Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Vasogenic Cerebral Edema in Brain Tumors
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11351684 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing whether blocking inflammation from tumor-associated immune cells can reduce dangerous brain swelling in people with glioblastoma while keeping radiation therapy effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2017 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $585,044 |
| NIH project number | 7R01NS100864-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11351684 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with primary or metastatic brain tumors (including glioblastoma) who have vasogenic cerebral edema and are undergoing surgery or radiation at or near the study site would be the best fit.
✕Less likely to help
People without tumor-related brain swelling, those whose tumors do not involve macrophage-driven inflammation, or patients unable to receive experimental anti-inflammatory treatments may not benefit from this work.
What this research studies
If you or a loved one has glioblastoma, this research focuses on vasogenic edema — the harmful brain swelling that often accompanies these tumors and is usually treated with steroids. Steroids like dexamethasone can control swelling but may reduce the effectiveness of radiation and some immune-based therapies, so the team is looking for safer alternatives. They are studying how tumor-associated macrophages and the inflammatory molecule IL-1β drive edema and are testing therapies that block IL-1β using lab models and patient-derived samples. The aim is to develop approaches that control swelling without compromising cancer treatment, potentially reducing reliance on long-term steroids.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reduce brain swelling without weakening radiation therapy, lowering steroid use and their side effects for patients with brain tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical work, including the investigators' own studies, suggests targeting IL-1β can reduce edema without harming radiation responses, while anti-VEGF approaches reduce swelling but can encourage tumor-supporting macrophages and resistance.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hambardzumyan, Dolores — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Hambardzumyan, Dolores
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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.