Next generation GPC2 CARs to treat pediatric medulloblastoma
Official title: Next Generation GPC2-CARs for Medulloblastoma
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11457465 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new CAR T-cell therapy approach targets a protein common on child brain tumor cells to improve outcomes for kids with medulloblastoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,224,191 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3CA297747-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11457465 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and adolescents with medulloblastoma, especially those with high-risk, metastatic, recurrent, or refractory disease, could be candidates in future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not express GPC2 or who cannot safely receive CAR T-cell therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop and test advanced GPC2-targeted CAR T cells for treating medulloblastoma in children. Researchers will optimize CAR T-cell design to enhance their ability to attack tumor cells while minimizing harm to normal tissues. The work builds on prior pediatric brain tumor research and uses preclinical studies and clinical-grade cell therapies to push toward safer, more effective treatments for high-risk disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more targeted and potentially curative treatment option for children with medulloblastoma.
How similar studies have gone: Early signals of activity from CAR T cells in pediatric tumors suggest potential, but results are still evolving.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mackall, Crystal — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Mackall, Crystal
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A study explores how disruption of a core gene complex in brain development may drive Group 4 medulloblastoma and seeks to understand new ways to help affected children.
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Targeting MBD2 for medulloblastoma therapy
Aimed at developing brain-penetrant small molecules to treat medulloblastoma in children by reactivating a tumor-suppressing gene.
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.