Nanomedicine to target glioblastoma's tumor environment and boost brain immunity
Targeting tumor microenvironment by nanoimmunodrugs for glioma treatment
This project tests a nanoparticle treatment meant to carry medicines across the blood–brain barrier to change the tumor environment and boost immune responses in people with glioblastoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129882 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will design tiny nanoparticles that can cross the blood–brain barrier to reach brain tumors. They plan to target a tumor matrix protein called laminin-411 to alter the glioblastoma microenvironment from immune-suppressing to immune-stimulating. Researchers will use patient tumor data alongside lab and animal studies to check delivery, safety, and effects on immune cells. The overall aim is to develop a therapy that could be moved into human trials for primary and metastatic brain tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with glioblastoma, particularly those whose tumors show features such as high laminin-411 expression that the treatment targets.
Not a fit: People without glioblastoma, or whose tumors lack the targeted microenvironment features, and those unable to travel or meet trial safety criteria may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve drug delivery into the brain, make tumors more vulnerable to the immune system, and expand treatment options for people with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Nanoparticle delivery and immunotherapy approaches have shown promise in laboratory and early-phase work but remain largely unproven for glioblastoma in humans, and targeting laminin-411 is a relatively new strategy.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ljubimov, Alexander V — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ljubimov, Alexander V
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 below.