New treatment approach for pediatric brain cancer
Official title: Theranostics for Pediatric Brain Cancer
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11032856 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat glioblastoma, a tough brain cancer in kids, by targeting the stubborn cancer cells while protecting healthy brain tissue, so that young patients can get better care with fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2021 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $645,938 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD103638-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032856 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with glioblastoma who are under 11 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those over 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel therapeutic strategy for treating glioblastoma, a severe brain cancer in children. The approach aims to specifically target and disrupt glioma-initiating cells (GICs) that are resistant to standard treatments, while minimizing harm to healthy brain tissue. By using vascular-disruptive agents (VDAs), the research seeks to enhance drug delivery to the tumor and induce cancer cell death. This innovative method is particularly important for pediatric patients, as their developing brains are more sensitive to treatment side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer treatment options for children with glioblastoma, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise with vascular-disruptive agents in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Daldrup-Link, Heike Elizabeth — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Daldrup-Link, Heike Elizabeth
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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.