Preventing radiation-driven changes in glioblastoma cells to improve treatment
Project 3: Strategies against radiation-induced cellular plasticity in glioblastoma
Adding the drug quetiapine to radiation to help adults with recurrent glioblastoma respond better to treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11377161 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project tests whether adding the commonly used drug quetiapine to radiation can stop glioblastoma cells from changing into treatment-resistant cells and make radiation work longer. Researchers will first measure how the combination changes tumor cell metabolism, focusing on the mevalonate pathway, in lab and animal models. Next they will test the safety and effects of the combination in people with recurrent glioblastoma at UCLA. They will also study tumor-initiating cells to understand exactly how the treatment works and look for new weaknesses to target.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with recurrent glioblastoma who are medically able to receive radiation and participate in a clinical treatment study are the main candidates.
Not a fit: People with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, those who cannot tolerate quetiapine or radiation, or those with other serious health issues may not be eligible or likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could make radiation more effective against recurrent glioblastoma, potentially slowing tumor regrowth and improving survival or quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and animal studies and the team's preliminary data support this strategy, but clear benefits in people have not yet been proven.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pajonk, Frank — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Pajonk, Frank
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.