Targeted treatments for pediatric and young-adult gliomas
Targeted Therapies for Glioma
Targeted drug treatments aimed at the genetic drivers of gliomas in children and young adults.
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-11178561 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Doctors and scientists at Boston hospitals are working together to develop drugs that target the specific genetic changes driving gliomas in children and young adults. For lower-grade tumors driven by BRAF changes, the team is improving RAF inhibitors such as tovorafenib and creating non-invasive, child-friendly tests to predict who will respond. For diffuse midline gliomas, researchers are exploiting a DNA repair weakness called alt-EJ and testing brain-penetrant drugs that attack that vulnerability. The program aims to move promising laboratory discoveries into treatments offered through major Boston hospitals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children and young adults with gliomas—especially those whose tumors have BRAF alterations or who have diffuse midline gliomas—are the most likely candidates for participation.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not have the targeted genetic changes or adults with unrelated brain cancers may not receive direct benefit from these projects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce more effective, less toxic targeted therapies and tests to identify which children will benefit, improving outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: RAF inhibitors like tovorafenib have already shown promise for BRAF-driven pediatric low-grade gliomas, while targeted approaches for diffuse midline gliomas remain largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Batchelor, Tracy T — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Batchelor, Tracy T
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.