Small molecules to block Slit2/ROBO in glioblastoma
Official title: Small molecule inhibitors of Slit2/Robo signaling as novel therapeutics for glioblastoma
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11616958 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to test small molecule drugs that block Slit2/ROBO signals to help treat glioblastoma in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $532,605 |
| NIH project number | 7R01CA293456-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11616958 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with glioblastoma or candidates for GBM-directed therapy may be eligible in future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not respond to SLIT2/ROBO-targeted therapy or may not tolerate small-molecule inhibitors.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop orally available small molecules that inhibit Slit2/ROBO signaling, a pathway linked to immune suppression and blood vessel problems in glioblastoma. Researchers will optimize these compounds for safety and the way they behave in the body, then test their effects in models that mimic human GBM. The goal is to improve how the immune system and chemotherapy work against GBM and to reduce tumor-friendly blood vessel changes. If successful, this work could lead to new treatment options that complement existing GBM therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with glioblastoma could receive a new oral therapy that enhances response to standard treatments and potentially improves survival.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies suggest targeting Slit2/ROBO can modify tumor immunity and vasculature in GBM, supporting the rationale for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gabr, Moustafa — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Gabr, Moustafa
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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.