New Nanotherapies for Brain Tumors

Development of novel nanotherapeutics to overcome therapy resistance using canine brain tumor as a spontaneous model

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-11124143

This research explores tiny new treatments called nanotherapeutics to help patients with aggressive brain tumors overcome resistance to current therapies.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11124143 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

High-grade brain tumors like glioblastoma are very difficult to treat, and new drug approvals have been rare because these tumors often become resistant to therapy. This project aims to create innovative nanotherapeutics designed to bypass this resistance. Researchers are using companion dogs with naturally occurring brain tumors as a model, which closely mimics human disease, to test these new treatments. The goal is to target a process called autophagy, which helps tumor cells survive and resist drugs, ultimately improving treatment outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is aimed at eventually benefiting patients diagnosed with high-grade gliomas, including glioblastoma, who face therapy resistance.

Not a fit: Patients without high-grade gliomas or those whose tumors do not exhibit therapy resistance may not directly benefit from this specific approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for aggressive brain tumors, potentially extending lives and improving quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Aminoquinoline drugs, which also target autophagy, have shown positive effects in improving outcomes in some clinical trials, suggesting this approach has promise.

Where this research is happening

Davis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.