Targeted treatments for childhood low-grade brain tumors
Project 1: Targeted therapeutics for pediatric low-grade glioma
Seeing if more precise RAF-targeting drugs and drug combinations can improve treatment for children with low-grade gliomas, especially tumors with BRAF changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178583 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If your child has a low-grade glioma, this work builds on promising early results with a drug called tovorafenib and looks for better RAF-targeting drugs or combinations. Researchers study tumor cells and patient samples to understand why some children respond and others do not. The program links laboratory studies with clinical trials to find treatments that work better and cause fewer long-term problems. It also aims to help doctors predict which children need targeted drugs versus standard surgery or chemotherapy so some families might avoid unnecessary treatments and frequent MRIs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children with pediatric low-grade gliomas, particularly those whose tumors have BRAF or other RAF-related alterations or who have recurrent disease, would be the main candidates.
Not a fit: Children whose tumors lack RAF/BRAF alterations or who are already cured by standard surgery and chemotherapy may not directly benefit from these targeted approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This could lead to more effective, less toxic targeted treatments for children with low-grade gliomas and help identify who truly needs those therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier work with the RAF inhibitor tovorafenib produced promising responses, earned FDA breakthrough designation, and led to a Phase 2 trial, but responses have been variable and need refinement.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kann, Benjamin Harris — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kann, Benjamin Harris
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.