Improving radiation therapy for brainstem glioma by targeting a specific gene
Official title: Enhancing the efficacy of Radiation Therapy for brainstem glioma by targeting ATM
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10890125 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to make radiation therapy work better for children with aggressive brain tumors called brainstem gliomas by targeting a specific gene, hoping to improve treatment results for young patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $213,541 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA256045-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890125 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and young adults diagnosed with brainstem gliomas, particularly those with the H3K27M mutation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with brainstem gliomas who are not eligible for radiation therapy or those with other types of brain tumors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of radiation therapy for brainstem gliomas, which are aggressive brain tumors primarily affecting children. The approach involves targeting the Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) gene, which plays a crucial role in the cellular response to DNA damage. By inactivating ATM in tumor cells, the researchers aim to make these tumors more sensitive to radiation, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes. The study utilizes genetically engineered mouse models to test the effectiveness of this strategy, with the hope of translating successful results to human patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve survival rates for patients with brainstem gliomas by making radiation therapy more effective.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in similar approaches targeting DNA damage response mechanisms to enhance cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reitman, Zachary — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Reitman, Zachary
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting ATM to Make Radiation More Effective in Brain Stem Glioma
A specialized program at Duke University aims to help people with brainstem glioma improve how well radiation works by turning off a key DNA damage sensor called ATM.
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A study in adolescents and young adults with brain tumors looks at how immune cells from bone marrow may influence the progression from low-grade to high-grade gliomas.
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It aims to prevent radiation-related damage to tiny blood vessels and reduce later thinking and memory problems in people who get radiation therapy by protecting cell mitochondria.
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How RNA Splicing Might Shape Glioma Cell States and Therapy Response
A small NIH-funded project will study how alternative RNA splicing influences glioma cell identities and treatment resistance in patient-derived cells.
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Liquid biopsy for monitoring high-grade glioma using patient-specific DNA junctions
A Mayo Clinic team tests a blood test that looks for unique tumor DNA pieces in glioblastoma patients to monitor disease without frequent scans.
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.