Small-molecule and biologic treatments for glioblastoma using targeted brain delivery
Official title: Development of Small Molecule Inhibitors and Biologic Agents for Treatment of Glioblastoma Using Intracerebral Microdialysis and Signatures of Vulnerability
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11608579 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach aims to use FPS-ZM1 to shrink brain swelling and support immunotherapy for glioblastoma, potentially helping patients recover after surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $680,856 |
| NIH project number | 3U19CA264512-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11608579 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with glioblastoma or those undergoing surgical treatment for glioblastoma and who are candidates for peri-operative therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-glioblastoma brain conditions or those unable to undergo peri-operative immunotherapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, and seeks to replace dexamethasone with a safer anti-inflammatory agent to control brain swelling around surgery. Researchers will test FPS-ZM1, a small-molecule inhibitor, to reduce inflammation and edema while supporting immune-based therapies. The plan includes a phase 1 safety and feasibility study to see if the approach is safe in patients after tumor removal. The work combines brain-specific drug delivery with immunotherapy timing to improve outcomes after surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience better control of brain swelling and enhanced effectiveness of peri-operative immunotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows targeting inflammatory pathways may influence brain tumor responses, but this specific FPS-ZM1 plus immunotherapy approach is exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Portnow, Jana — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Portnow, Jana
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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.