Linking epileptic bursts and tumor growth in IDH-mutant glioma
Official title: Mapping heterogeneous local excitation profiles to link focal epileptogenesis and tumor growth in IDH-mutant glioma
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11441993 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how seizures and tumor growth influence each other in a specific brain cancer and how understanding this relationship could improve treatment for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $242,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS150992-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11441993 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with IDH-mutant glioma who experience seizures and are undergoing surgical preparation or tumor resection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without seizures or IDH-mutant glioma may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
If funded, researchers will study how seizures and tumor cells interact in IDHm gliomas by using brain recordings during surgery, lab tests on tissue, and detailed protein analyses to map where hyperactive brain activity aligns with tumor biology. The project will combine real-time electrical signals collected during operation with ex vivo experiments to see how excitability relates to tumor spread. The goal is to identify brain regions that drive both seizures and tumor progression so clinicians can target them more precisely during surgery and in future therapies. This work is designed to translate into better seizure control and potentially slower tumor growth for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to more effective seizure control and slower tumor progression for patients with IDH-mutant glioma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown links between tumor biology and seizure activity, supporting a translational path for targeted interventions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karas, Patrick Jacob — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Karas, Patrick Jacob
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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.