Making radiation more effective for temozolomide‑resistant glioblastoma
Official title: Developing a Clinically Relevant Radiosensitizer for Temozolomide-resistant Gliomas
Funded at Neonc Technologies, INC. · NIH-11184005 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project adds a new drug called NEO212 to radiation to help adults whose glioblastoma no longer responds to temozolomide.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Neonc Technologies, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Calabasas, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,007,612 |
| NIH project number | 2R42CA246902-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11184005 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+) with glioblastoma whose tumors are resistant to temozolomide, such as those with MGMT expression or mismatch repair defects, would be the primary candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People with tumor types other than glioblastoma, children under 21, or patients whose tumors remain temozolomide‑sensitive or who have severe medical issues may not benefit or be eligible.
What this research studies
Researchers are developing NEO212, a modified form of temozolomide linked to perillyl alcohol, to help radiation kill glioblastoma cells that are resistant to standard temozolomide treatment. In the lab, they tested NEO212 on temozolomide‑resistant human glioma cell lines and saw stronger tumor cell killing than with temozolomide plus radiation. They then confirmed these results in multiple animal models using dosing schedules meant to mirror clinical treatment. The goal is to complete safety and efficacy work that could support moving this approach toward human clinical testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make radiation more effective and offer a new treatment option for patients with temozolomide‑resistant glioblastoma.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical lab and animal studies of this modified temozolomide show promising results, but this approach has not yet been proven safe or effective in humans.
Where this research is happening
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Neonc Technologies, INC.
Calabasas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Thomas C. — Neonc Technologies, INC.
- Study coordinator: Chen, Thomas C.
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.