Improving IL-12 gene therapy for glioblastoma
Improving IL12 Immunogene Therapy for Glioblastoma Based on Human Clinical Trial Results
['FUNDING_R01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11174492
Trying a gene therapy that delivers IL-12 into brain tumors to boost immune attack and combine it with immune checkpoint blockers for people with recurrent glioblastoma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11174492 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project builds on a phase 1 trial where a regulatable IL-12 gene therapy was injected directly into recurrent glioblastoma tumors and increased immune cell infiltration. Those treated tumors showed more CD8+ T cells and IFNγ but also higher PD-1/PD-L1, which can lead to immune exhaustion and tumor escape. The team plans to refine IL-12 delivery and pair it with neoadjuvant anti–PD-1 therapy across multiple clinical sites to try to overcome that resistance. If you participate, you would get intratumoral injections, regular imaging, and immune monitoring to track response and safety.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with recurrent glioblastoma who are eligible for intratumoral injection and checkpoint inhibitor therapy and can attend participating clinical centers.
Not a fit: People without glioblastoma, those with poor performance status or medical contraindications to gene therapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors, or those unable to undergo intratumoral procedures are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could strengthen anti-tumor immune responses and potentially slow tumor growth or extend survival for people with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Early-phase trials showed immune activation but limited durable tumor control, so combining IL-12 delivery with anti–PD-1 is a logical next step but remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHIOCCA, E. ANTONIO — BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: CHIOCCA, E. ANTONIO
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.