One drug that targets several glioblastoma markers to kill tumor cells
Combinatorial Immunotherapy using a Multivalent Drug Conjugate for GBM Treatment
A new treatment delivers cancer-killing agents directly into the brain to hit several markers found on glioblastoma cells for people with this aggressive brain tumor.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237172 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project combines multiple targeted toxins into a single multivalent drug that binds receptors commonly overexpressed on glioblastoma cells and tumor-supporting cells. The drug is given directly into the tumor area using convection-enhanced delivery so it reaches tumor cores, infiltrating cells, and tumor blood vessels. The team builds on promising results in a Phase I trial in dogs with spontaneous gliomas that showed tumor shrinkage, longer survival, and signs of immune activation. Researchers aim to refine the drug conjugate and delivery approach so it can be tested safely in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with confirmed glioblastoma whose tumors express the targeted receptors and who can undergo direct intratumoral delivery procedures would be the best candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors lack the targeted receptors, have widespread multifocal disease not amenable to localized delivery, or cannot undergo the delivery procedure are less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could shrink tumors, extend survival, and improve quality of life by delivering potent therapy directly to glioblastoma cells while limiting systemic toxicity.
How similar studies have performed: A related approach produced exceptional anti-tumor responses and immune activation in a Phase I trial in dogs, but human experience with this exact multivalent conjugate is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Debinski, Waldemar — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Debinski, Waldemar
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.