New immunotherapy treatments for glioblastoma
Advancing treatment and understanding of immunotherapy in glioblastoma
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11173586
Combining immune-boosting drugs, a chemotherapy dose that sparks an immune response, and focused ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier for adults with recurrent glioblastoma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11173586 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Two cancer centers (UCSF and Northwestern) are working together with biotech partners to develop new immunotherapy approaches for glioblastoma. The work builds on mouse findings that a specific dose of doxorubicin given before immune checkpoint drugs can make tumors more visible to the immune system, and that focused ultrasound can open the blood-brain barrier to improve delivery. The program uses industry-provided drugs and devices, lab assays, preclinical models, and early clinical trials targeted at patients with recurrent glioblastoma. Eligible patients may be asked to receive combination treatments and provide samples so researchers can track immune responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (often 21+) with recurrent glioblastoma who meet early-phase trial eligibility at UCSF or Northwestern.
Not a fit: People with other cancers, children, or patients unable to undergo experimental immunotherapy or ultrasound procedures likely would not be eligible or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could boost the immune system's ability to attack glioblastoma and lead to new treatment options for people with recurrent tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies and some early human work suggest parts of this approach can help, but durable clinical success in glioblastoma has been limited and the combined approach is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BUTOWSKI, NICHOLAS A — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: BUTOWSKI, NICHOLAS A
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.