Reprogramming immune cells to enhance radiation therapy for brain tumors
Official title: Nano-therapeutics Reprogramming of Immunosuppressive Myeloid Cells Potentiate Radiotherapy for Glioblastoma
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10880281 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to make radiation therapy work better for people with glioblastoma by using tiny particles to help boost the immune system's ability to fight the cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 26, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $347,701 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA266487-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10880281 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with glioblastoma who are undergoing radiation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those not receiving radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving radiation therapy for glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer, by reprogramming immune cells that typically suppress anti-tumor responses. The approach involves developing a specialized nanoparticle that targets these immunosuppressive cells within the tumor environment, enhancing the body's immune response to the cancer. By utilizing this nanoparticle to deliver a specific immune-stimulating agent, the goal is to make radiation therapy more effective in fighting glioblastoma. Patients may benefit from a more robust immune response that could lead to better treatment outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy for glioblastoma patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar approaches to enhance immune responses in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Peng — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Peng
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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.