Mapping how brain tumors produce essential fats
Official title: Spatial Mapping of Phospholipid Biosynthesis in Brain Tumors
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11002713 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how glioblastomas, a type of aggressive brain tumor, make the fats they need to grow, and it aims to create new ways to track these tumors using imaging techniques, which could help doctors better monitor treatment and personalize care for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $226,504 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA286261-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002713 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with glioblastoma who are undergoing treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those not diagnosed with glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biosynthesis of phospholipids in glioblastomas, a type of aggressive brain tumor. It aims to develop non-invasive imaging techniques to monitor tumor metabolism and growth by focusing on the activity of a key enzyme involved in fat production. By understanding how these tumors generate the building blocks they need to grow, the research seeks to improve treatment monitoring and response assessment for patients. This could lead to better management of glioblastoma through tailored therapies based on metabolic activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new way to monitor glioblastoma progression and treatment response, leading to more effective personalized therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using metabolic imaging techniques for cancer monitoring, suggesting this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Viswanath, Pavithra — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Viswanath, Pavithra
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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.