Reprogramming immune cells to fight recurrent brain cancer

STINGing GBM: A First-in- Man Clinical Trial in Surgical Resectable Recurrent GBM

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10898592

This study is testing a new treatment for people with recurrent glioblastoma by using a special compound to help boost the immune system's ability to fight the cancer, and researchers will closely watch how well it works.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-10898592 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on glioblastoma (GBM), a type of aggressive brain cancer, and aims to reprogram specific immune cells known as tumor-associated myeloid cells to enhance their ability to attack tumors. The study utilizes a novel compound called IACS-8803, which activates the STING pathway, a critical immune response mechanism. Patients with recurrent GBM will receive this treatment, and the effects on their immune response and tumor characteristics will be closely monitored using advanced imaging techniques. The goal is to determine how effectively this approach can stimulate the immune system to combat the cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with recurrent glioblastoma who are eligible for surgical resection.

Not a fit: Patients with non-recurrent glioblastoma or those who are not surgical candidates may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment strategy that enhances the immune system's ability to fight recurrent glioblastoma.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar immune-modulating approaches in treating glioblastoma, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Brain Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.