Neural stem cells carrying cancer-killing viruses to treat brain cancer
Official title: Neural Stem Cell Based Virotherapy for Malignant Glioma
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11402760 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests delivering a virus that specifically targets brain tumors using neural stem cells to reach cancer cells across the brain.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $301,207 |
| NIH project number | 5P50CA221747-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11402760 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with malignant glioma or glioblastoma who are eligible for the next phase II virotherapy trial.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not respond to virotherapy or may experience treatment-related risks.
What this research studies
This project builds on previous work delivering oncolytic virotherapy to glioma patients with a neural stem cell carrier. It plans a phase II trial to see if this approach improves survival, using a new brain-delivery catheter system and methods to keep the carrier cells alive and productive. The goal is to make the virus spread more evenly through the brain and enhance anti-tumor effects while monitoring safety. Participants would be adults with malignant glioma who meet trial criteria and could potentially benefit from a new treatment option.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience longer survival and better control of brain tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Prior phase I results showed safety and feasibility, supporting progression to a larger efficacy-focused trial.
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.