Spinal fluid protein and gene testing to improve detection and care for diffuse gliomas
Integration of CSF Proteogenomics in the Diagnosis and Management of Diffuse Gliomas
This project looks at proteins and genetic markers in cerebrospinal fluid and blood to help doctors spot tumor return and guide treatment for adults with diffuse gliomas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11130924 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would provide small samples of cerebrospinal fluid (via lumbar puncture) and blood that researchers will analyze for proteins and genetic changes linked to brain tumors. The team will compare those molecular results with MRI scans and clinical follow-up to tell true tumor recurrence apart from treatment effects like pseudo‑progression or radiation necrosis. They use advanced proteomics and genomics on very small CSF samples to capture tumor biology that imaging may miss. Findings are intended to help personalize monitoring and treatment decisions over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with diffuse gliomas who are having surgery, receiving adjuvant therapy, or undergoing imaging follow‑up — especially those with unclear MRI findings — are the best candidates.
Not a fit: People without diffuse gliomas, children, or anyone unwilling or unable to undergo lumbar puncture or blood draws are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help clinicians detect tumor recurrence earlier and choose more appropriate therapies while avoiding unnecessary interventions.
How similar studies have performed: Early small studies using CSF to detect tumor DNA and proteins have shown promise, but CSF proteogenomics for routine clinical use remains an emerging approach.
Where this research is happening
Hershey, United States
- Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr — Hershey, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mansouri, Alireza — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Mansouri, Alireza
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 below.