New combination treatments for NF2 schwannomas
Identification of novel therapeutic combinations for NF2 schwannomas
Testing whether combinations of available drugs can stop or shrink vestibular and spinal schwannomas in people with Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261610 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses genetically engineered mouse models that closely mimic NF2-related vestibular and spinal schwannomas to test combinations of drugs. Researchers will treat tumors in these mice, measure effects on tumor size, growth rate, hearing, and nerve function, and study biological markers of response. Promising combinations will be advanced toward clinical testing to speed translation from the lab to patients. The overall aim is to identify safe drug regimens that could reduce tumor progression and the need for risky surgeries.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Neurofibromatosis type 2 who have growing vestibular or spinal schwannomas and are seeking non-surgical treatment options would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without NF2, those with other tumor types, or patients whose nerves have already sustained irreversible damage from tumors may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could gain drug options that slow or shrink schwannomas, help preserve hearing, and reduce the need for surgical interventions.
How similar studies have performed: Some individual drugs (for example bevacizumab) have helped some NF2 patients, but effective long-term drug combinations remain largely unproven and this translational approach is partly novel.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clapp, David W — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Clapp, David W
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.