Synergistic blood-brain barrier opening and targeted glioma treatment with pulsed electric fields
Official title: Synergistic blood-brain barrier indoximod delivery and selective treatment of malignant glioma using Pulsed Field Ablation
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-11453163 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses tiny, rapid electric pulses to safely disrupt the brain's protective barrier and enhance targeted treatment for malignant glioma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | July 6, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $396,457 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA309231-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11453163 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with malignant glioma or glioblastoma in appropriate clinical contexts where targeted ablation and enhanced drug delivery could be beneficial.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without glioma or those with tumors not suited to this ablation approach may not receive benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores a non-thermal brain tumor treatment that combines pulsed field ablation with a cancer-fighting adjuvant to maximize tumor destruction while preserving surrounding brain structures. The method delivers microsecond electrical pulses to selectively ablate tumor tissue and may enable better delivery of therapeutic agents through a temporary opening of the blood-brain barrier. By studying safety, immune responses, and delivery efficiency in animal models and preliminary settings, the work aims to translate into more effective, less invasive options for glioblastoma patients. The grant supports development and initial testing to determine how best to combine these techniques for improved outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with glioma could benefit from a more precise, less invasive treatment that may improve tumor control and accessibility of additional therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in animal models and canine patients show feasibility and safety of the non-thermal H-FIRE approach and its potential to combine with adjuvants for improved outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davalos, Rafael Vidal — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Davalos, Rafael Vidal
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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.