Improving patient participation to track how lower-grade brain tumors change over time
Official title: OPTimIzing engageMent in discovery of molecular evolution of low grade glioma (OPTIMUM)
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11194268 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project works with adults who have lower-grade (WHO II/III) glioma to collect surgical tumor samples, medical records, and feedback so researchers can better understand how their tumors change from diagnosis to recurrence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,999,257 |
| NIH project number | 5U2CCA252979-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11194268 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with WHO grade II or III glioma who had surgical resection at diagnosis and again at recurrence and who are willing to share medical records and tumor tissue are ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without available surgical tissue from both diagnosis and recurrence, or those unwilling or unable to share records or participate online, may not be eligible or benefit.
What this research studies
If you join, you'll become part of an international community of up to 700 people with lower-grade glioma who had surgery at diagnosis and again at recurrence. The team will collect and link your medical records and tumor samples and use secure platforms (HUGO PHR) to let you control and share data and ARCHETYP to help find clinical trials. Researchers will perform genomic analyses comparing primary and recurrent tumors to map molecular evolution. Engagement happens through hospitals and web/social media so you can receive study updates and communicate with the team.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This could help doctors learn how low-grade gliomas evolve and guide future treatments and trial options for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous genomic studies have described glioma changes over time, but assembling large numbers of paired primary-and-recurrent samples linked to patient engagement platforms is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Claus, Elizabeth B. — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Claus, Elizabeth B.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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OPTIMUM: Engaging LGG patients in understanding how low-grade brain tumors evolve
A large study plans to involve people with low-grade glioma to map how their tumors change from initial diagnosis to recurrence using patient-friendly data sharing and trial connections.
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Targeted therapies for pediatric low-grade glioma
A pediatric brain tumor project aims to find better, safer targeted treatments for kids with low-grade gliomas.
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Understanding how diffuse low-grade gliomas disrupt cortical information processing
This study looks at how a common adult brain tumor changes brain circuits and thinking skills, with the aim of guiding better therapies for cognitive problems.
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Targeting O-mannosylation in pediatric brain tumors driven by BRAF fusion
A pediatric brain tumor project is exploring whether blocking a specific sugar-modifying process called POMT-mediated O-mannosylation can stop tumor growth in tumors driven by KIAA1549-BRAF fusions.
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Druggable targets in pediatric low-grade glioma through multi-modal data and screening
A pediatric brain tumor study aims to find new drug targets by integrating imaging, genetics, and biology data to tailor treatments for children with low-grade gliomas.
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Targeted treatments for childhood low-grade brain tumors
Seeing if more precise RAF-targeting drugs and drug combinations can improve treatment for children with low-grade gliomas, especially tumors with BRAF changes.
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.