NIH-funded research R01 grant

Next Gen Virotherapy for GBM

Funded at Lsu Health Sciences Center · NIH-11578736 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A new treatment approach combines a herpes-based virus with a NOTCH-blocking strategy to tackle brain tumors called glioblastoma, aiming to be delivered safely inside the brain to improve how well it works without causing memory or safety problems.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLsu Health Sciences Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Orleans, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2022
Project endJune 30, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$515,810
NIH project number7R01NS127473-05
Project IDNIH-11578736 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Patients with glioblastoma who are candidates for intracranial virotherapy could potentially participate, pending eligibility and safety screening.

Less likely to help

Patients whose tumors do not respond to oncolytic virus therapy or who cannot tolerate intracranial delivery may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project explores using an oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) together with NOTCH pathway blockade to treat intracranial glioblastoma. Researchers will study how blocking specific NOTCH ligands affects virus therapy, tumor response, and safety in the brain, including potential effects on memory and neurogenesis. The work also looks at how NOTCH signaling in tumor-associated immune cells influences immune responses and the presence of suppressive cells that can limit benefit. By understanding these interactions, the study aims to optimize efficacy while reducing neurologic toxicity in patients with GBM.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve tumor control and extend survival for people with GBM while minimizing cognitive side effects.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work with oncolytic viruses and NOTCH-related strategies shows promise, but the specific combination and brain-delivery safety profile are still being tested.

Where this research is happening

  • Lsu Health Sciences Center
    New Orleans, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kaur, Balveen — Lsu Health Sciences Center
  • Study coordinator: Kaur, Balveen

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.