Liquid biopsy and oxygen therapy to guide glioblastoma treatment
Official title: Liquid Biopsy in Glioblastoma Treated with Chemoradiation and an Oxygen Therapeutic
Funded at Nuvox Pharma, LLC · NIH-11420569 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-focused study exploring a blood-based test and a safe oxygen therapy to help doctors tell true tumor growth from treatment effects in adults with glioblastoma treated with chemoradiation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nuvox Pharma, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,057,531 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA298498-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11420569 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with glioblastoma who have completed chemoradiation and are undergoing routine follow-up imaging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing blood-based testing or not receiving the oxygen therapy component may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project uses a noninvasive blood test (liquid biopsy) to track tumor genetics and gene activity in glioblastoma patients who have completed chemoradiation. It also investigates DDFPe, an oxygen-carrying therapy, as a radiosensitizer to improve how well the cancer responds to treatment. By combining blood-based information with an oxygen-boosting approach, clinicians may better distinguish pseudoprogression from real progression and adjust care accordingly. Participants will undergo standard treatment follow-up while researchers analyze blood samples and treatment responses on imaging. The goal is to provide clearer guidance on disease trajectory and potentially improve survival outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This research could lead to more accurate monitoring of glioblastoma after chemoradiation and potentially improve treatment effectiveness and outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests liquid biopsy can reflect tumor status and hypoxia-targeted therapies may improve outcomes, but the combined approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Nuvox Pharma, LLC
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Unger, Evan Charles — Nuvox Pharma, LLC
- Study coordinator: Unger, Evan Charles
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Small molecules to block Slit2/ROBO in glioblastoma
A study to test small molecule drugs that block Slit2/ROBO signals to help treat glioblastoma in patients.
-
Immunotherapy for glioblastoma: advancing treatment and understanding
A patient-friendly summary of a grant exploring new immune-based treatments for glioblastoma to improve options for people affected by this brain cancer.
-
Small-molecule and biologic treatments for glioblastoma using targeted brain delivery
A new approach aims to use FPS-ZM1 to shrink brain swelling and support immunotherapy for glioblastoma, potentially helping patients recover after surgery.
-
Targeted therapies for glioblastoma in adults and kids
A large NIH program is exploring new brain cancer therapies, including drugs that reach the brain and work against glioblastoma in both children and adults.
-
6-thio-2'-deoxyguanosine for glioblastoma: a new approach to target tumors before surgery
A trial tests a novel drug given before glioblastoma surgery to see how it behaves in the body and within the tumor, and to learn how it affects cancer cells and the immune environment.
-
CD38-Driven Changes in Brain Tumor Metabolism and Immunity in Glioblastoma
A patient-facing look at how scientists plan to study how glioblastoma grows by changing its metabolism and dampening the immune response, with potential targets to help treatment in the future.
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.