Targeting a specific enzyme to treat aggressive brain tumors.
Official title: Inhibition of wild-type IDH1 as a ferroptosis-inducing therapeutic approach for the treatment of malignant glioma.
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10896303 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how blocking a specific enzyme called IDH1 might help slow down the growth of aggressive brain tumors by causing cancer cells to die in a new way, and it’s designed for patients with malignant gliomas that don’t have a certain mutation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $474,236 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129123-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896303 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with high-grade gliomas that express the wild-type IDH1 enzyme.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with low-grade gliomas or those whose tumors have the IDH1R132H mutation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the IDH1 enzyme in malignant gliomas, particularly those that do not have a specific mutation. The approach involves inhibiting this enzyme to induce a type of cell death known as ferroptosis, which could slow tumor growth. The study combines genetic and pharmacological methods with radiation therapy to enhance treatment effectiveness. By understanding how this enzyme affects tumor biology, the research aims to develop a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with aggressive brain tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option that specifically targets and kills cancer cells in patients with malignant gliomas.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in targeting IDH1 in gliomas, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stegh, Alexander H. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Stegh, Alexander H.
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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.