Nano-therapeutics to reprogram immune cells and boost radiotherapy for glioblastoma
Official title: Nano-therapeutics Reprogramming of Immunosuppressive Myeloid Cells Potentiate Radiotherapy for Glioblastoma
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11372799 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new therapy uses tiny targeted nanoparticles to reprogram immune cells in the brain tumor to help radiotherapy work better for glioblastoma patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 26, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $366,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA266487-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11372799 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with glioblastoma or related brain tumors who may be eligible for future trials exploring combination radiotherapy and immune-targeting nanoparticles.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without glioblastoma or those whose tumors do not respond to immune modulation may not experience direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to enhance standard radiotherapy for glioblastoma by reprogramming the tumor’s immune cells to support anti-tumor responses. It plans to create bridge-like lipid nanoparticles that home in on brain tumor immune cells and deliver a STING activator to amplify innate and adaptive immunity. The work involves preclinical studies using models that mimic human brain tumors to test targeting, delivery, and immune effects. If successful, findings could inform future approaches to combine immunotherapy with radiation for better patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the approach works, it could strengthen the body’s attack on glioblastoma when combined with radiotherapy, potentially improving tumor control and patient survival.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research in immune-targeted nanoparticle delivery and STING activation has shown promise in boosting anti-tumor immunity, though this exact approach is novel for GBM.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Peng — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Peng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Telomerase-Targeted Therapy Plus Radiation for Glioblastoma in Veterans
A new treatment approach uses a telomerase-targeting drug with radiation to try to shrink glioblastoma tumors in veterans.
-
Boosting Radiation Treatment for Glioblastoma with Nanoparticle Therapy
This project is developing tiny particles to help the body's immune system fight glioblastoma brain tumors more effectively when combined with radiation.
-
Reprogramming immune cells to enhance radiation therapy for brain tumors
This study is looking at a new way to make radiation therapy work better for people with glioblastoma by using tiny particles to help boost the immune system's ability to fight the cancer.
-
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.
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.