Targeting a specific gene in aggressive brain tumors
Official title: Therapeutic Targeting in EGFR-amplified Glioblastoma
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11075217 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific gene related to glioblastomas, a tough type of brain tumor, to see how it helps the tumor grow and how it might lead to new treatments that could help patients with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | April 16, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $446,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS133160-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075217 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with EGFR-amplified glioblastoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with glioblastoma that does not have EGFR amplification may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on glioblastomas, which are highly malignant brain tumors with poor outcomes. It aims to investigate a gene called EGFR long non-coding downstream RNA (ELDR), which is often amplified alongside the EGFR gene in these tumors. By understanding how ELDR contributes to tumor growth and interacts with other proteins, the research seeks to develop new therapeutic strategies that could improve treatment outcomes for patients with EGFR-amplified glioblastoma. The approach includes exploring non-canonical pathways that may provide new targets for therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with EGFR-amplified glioblastoma, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting EGFR has been challenging, this research explores novel pathways and may build on previous successes in targeting other oncogenic drivers in cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Shi-Yuan — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Shi-Yuan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Small molecules to block Slit2/ROBO in glioblastoma
A study to test small molecule drugs that block Slit2/ROBO signals to help treat glioblastoma in patients.
-
Immunotherapy for glioblastoma: advancing treatment and understanding
A patient-friendly summary of a grant exploring new immune-based treatments for glioblastoma to improve options for people affected by this brain cancer.
-
Small-molecule and biologic treatments for glioblastoma using targeted brain delivery
A new approach aims to use FPS-ZM1 to shrink brain swelling and support immunotherapy for glioblastoma, potentially helping patients recover after surgery.
-
Targeted therapies for glioblastoma in adults and kids
A large NIH program is exploring new brain cancer therapies, including drugs that reach the brain and work against glioblastoma in both children and adults.
-
6-thio-2'-deoxyguanosine for glioblastoma: a new approach to target tumors before surgery
A trial tests a novel drug given before glioblastoma surgery to see how it behaves in the body and within the tumor, and to learn how it affects cancer cells and the immune environment.
-
CD38-Driven Changes in Brain Tumor Metabolism and Immunity in Glioblastoma
A patient-facing look at how scientists plan to study how glioblastoma grows by changing its metabolism and dampening the immune response, with potential targets to help treatment in the future.
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.