NIH-funded research R21 grant

Targeting a specific receptor in aggressive brain tumors with radiation therapy

Official title: IL13Ra2-targeted radioimmunotherapy for glioblastoma

Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11139747 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new treatment that uses targeted radiation to attack glioblastoma cells, aiming to help patients by reducing damage to healthy tissue and improving their chances of recovery.

More Glioblastoma research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project startJune 5, 2025
Project endMay 31, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$432,134
NIH project number1R21CA294042-01A1
Project IDNIH-11139747 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma who express the IL13Rα2 receptor.

Less likely to help

Patients with glioblastoma who do not express the IL13Rα2 receptor or those with other types of brain tumors may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on using radioimmunotherapy to target the IL13Rα2 receptor, which is commonly found on glioblastoma cells. By delivering radiation specifically to these cancer cells, the treatment aims to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The approach utilizes beta-emitting isotopes that can effectively kill tumor cells, even those that are resistant to traditional therapies. Patients with glioblastoma may benefit from this targeted treatment, which seeks to improve outcomes and reduce recurrence rates.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with glioblastoma, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with radioimmunotherapy targeting specific receptors in various cancers, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
    Houston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Krebs, Simone — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
  • Study coordinator: Krebs, Simone

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.