Measuring how brain tumors use nutrients for energy
Official title: Quantitation of nutrient metabolism in brain tumor patients using advanced 13C isotopomer technology
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-10916453 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain tumors use certain nutrients to grow, with the hope of finding better treatments that match the specific energy needs of different types of tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $345,923 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA272763-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916453 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with gliomas or brain metastases, particularly those with high-grade glioblastomas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous brain conditions or those with tumors not classified as gliomas or brain metastases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the metabolism of brain tumors, focusing on how these aggressive cancers utilize nutrients like acetate and ketone bodies to support their growth. By using advanced isotopomer technology, the study aims to analyze the metabolic processes in intact tumors rather than relying solely on laboratory cell lines. The goal is to understand the unique energy requirements of different types of brain tumors, which could lead to more effective treatments tailored to their metabolic profiles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that target the specific metabolic pathways of brain tumors, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding cancer metabolism, but this specific approach using isotopomer technology in brain tumors is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pichumani, Kumar — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Pichumani, Kumar
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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.