Neural stem cell delivery of cancer‑killing virus for malignant brain tumors
Official title: Neural Stem Cell Based Virotherapy for Malignant Glioma
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11187068 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work uses neural stem cells to carry cancer‑killing viruses into the brain to treat people with malignant glioma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2018 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $304,995 |
| NIH project number | 5P50CA221747-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11187068 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with malignant glioma (such as glioblastoma) who are eligible for neurosurgical procedures and meet the trial’s medical criteria.
✕Less likely to help
People with other types of cancer, those who are not candidates for brain surgery, or patients with severe medical problems may not be eligible or likely to benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers use neural stem cells as vehicles to deliver oncolytic (cancer‑killing) viruses directly into and around glioma tumors in the brain. A prior Phase 1 trial showed the approach was feasible and safe and established a tolerated dose, and the team now plans studies to improve delivery and effectiveness. Planned improvements include a catheter system to allow multiple injections over time and lab optimizations to keep stem cells alive longer and boost virus production. The program aims to move into a Phase 2 trial measuring overall survival if these optimizations are successful.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help the virus reach more tumor cells, stimulate anti‑tumor immunity, and potentially extend survival for people with malignant glioma.
How similar studies have gone: Early phase work including a published Phase 1 trial demonstrated feasibility and safety, but definitive effectiveness remains unproven and requires the planned Phase 2 work.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lesniak, Maciej S — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Lesniak, Maciej S
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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.