Improving treatment for aggressive brain cancer using innovative cell delivery methods
Official title: Enhanced Delivery of Cytotoxic Neural Stem Cells for Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme Using an Innovative In-situ Thermogelling Hydrogel and Focused Ultrasound
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10981700 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to treat glioblastoma, a tough brain cancer, by using a special gel and sound waves to help deliver helpful stem cells directly to the tumor, which could lead to better results and fewer surgeries for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $609,749 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA286609-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10981700 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme who are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not eligible for stem cell therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment for glioblastoma multiforme, a highly aggressive brain cancer. It aims to enhance the delivery of induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) to tumors using a novel biodegradable hydrogel and focused ultrasound technology. This approach seeks to provide a long-lasting and non-invasive method for administering these cells, potentially improving their effectiveness in targeting and killing cancer cells. Patients may benefit from a more effective treatment option that reduces the need for repeated surgeries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective and less invasive treatment option for patients with glioblastoma multiforme.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using neural stem cells for brain cancer treatment, but this specific approach utilizing a biodegradable hydrogel and focused ultrasound is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Benhabbour, Soumya Rahima — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Benhabbour, Soumya Rahima
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Sonodynamic therapy for recurrent glioblastoma using MRI-guided focused ultrasound and ALA
A new treatment combines a drug called 5-ALA with MRI-guided focused ultrasound to target recurrent glioblastoma tumors.
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Enhanced delivery of neural stem cells to brain cancer with a biodegradable gel and focused ultrasound
A new treatment approach uses patient-friendly neural stem cells delivered over several months with a biodegradable gel and ultrasound to target glioblastoma.
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Long-lasting stem-cell delivery for glioblastoma using an injectable gel and focused ultrasound
An injectable, biodegradable gel that slowly releases tumor‑killing neural stem cells, paired with focused ultrasound to allow non-surgical re-dosing, for people with glioblastoma.
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MRI-guided focused ultrasound with 5‑ALA for recurrent glioblastoma
This project uses a non-invasive MRI-guided focused ultrasound together with the drug 5‑ALA as a possible treatment for people with recurrent glioblastoma.
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Role of a brain tumor RNA in glioblastoma where a unique lncRNA may drive cancer cells
A small, focused NIH grant explores how a brain cancer–related RNA called LINC01896 might control the growth of glioblastoma stem cells and influence treatment resistance.
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Immune-boosting treatment with ultrasound-assisted brain drug delivery for newly diagnosed glioblastoma
A phase 2A trial will test a patient-friendly approach that uses a skull-implantable ultrasound device plus tiny bubbles to help immune therapies reach brain tumors in people with newly diagnosed glioblastoma.
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.