Investigating how certain proteins drive the spread of a common childhood brain cancer.
CCL2 and CCR2 as metastatic drivers and therapeutic targets in medulloblastoma
This study is looking at how medulloblastoma, a common brain tumor in kids, spreads through the blood instead of just the fluid around the brain, and it aims to find out what genetic factors help this happen so that new treatments can be developed to stop the cancer from spreading and help kids stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11000319 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on medulloblastoma, the most prevalent malignant brain tumor in children, and how it spreads through the bloodstream rather than just through cerebrospinal fluid. By studying circulating tumor cells (CTCs) that can re-home to the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, the research aims to identify genetic factors that contribute to this metastatic process. The findings could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat metastatic medulloblastoma, particularly during the critical window before recurrence. Patients may benefit from targeted therapies that could inhibit the spread of the cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old diagnosed with medulloblastoma, particularly those at risk for metastasis.
Not a fit: Patients with non-malignant brain tumors or those over the age of 11 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that significantly reduce the risk of metastatic recurrence in children with medulloblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cancer metastasis through similar mechanisms, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weiss, William a — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Weiss, William a
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.