Redox-based approach to boost DIPG treatment in children
Official title: Leveraging redox dysregulation to advance DIPG treatment strategies
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11451924 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A pediatric brain tumor research grant explores using redox-focused drugs to help make DIPG tumors more responsive to standard therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | August 6, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $399,829 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA307914-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11451924 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children diagnosed with DIPG who are candidates for standard radiation therapy and experimental redox-modulating therapies could be eligible.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not suitable for redox-based strategies or without DIPG would not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project looks at how turning up oxidative stress in DIPG tumor cells could make radiation and chemotherapy work better for children. The researchers plan to test redox-modulating agents, like auranofin, and combine them with radiation to see if tumor cells become more likely to die. They will explore how these drugs affect tumor cells with different genetic backgrounds to identify who might benefit most. The work aims to move toward strategies that could translate into improved outcomes for kids with DIPG.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective treatments for DIPG and potentially extend survival for affected children.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data show that redox-modulating drugs can increase DIPG cell killing in some cell lines, suggesting potential but with variability.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Howard, Michelle E — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Howard, Michelle E
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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.