Targeting ATM to Make Radiation More Effective in Brain Stem Glioma
Official title: Enhancing the efficacy of Radiation Therapy for brainstem glioma by targeting ATM
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11372236 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A specialized program at Duke University aims to help people with brainstem glioma improve how well radiation works by turning off a key DNA damage sensor called ATM.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $160,361 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA256045-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11372236 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with brainstem glioma (DIPG or similar tumors) and their families may benefit from future trials arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Not all brainstem glioma patients may respond to ATM-targeted radiosensitization, and there may be risks associated with combining ATM inhibitors with radiation.
What this research studies
This grant funds a dedicated physician-scientist to explore whether blocking ATM can make radiation therapy more deadly to brainstem tumors. The work will use models that mimic brainstem glioma to test whether ATM inhibition enhances radiation response, with the goal of translating findings to patients. The study will combine targeted therapies with standard radiotherapy and monitor effects on tumor control and survival in preclinical systems, moving toward safe clinical testing. The effort focuses on a devastating pediatric and adult brain tumor where current treatments offer limited benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience longer control of tumor growth and potentially longer survival when radiation is paired with ATM inhibition.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in mouse models suggests ATM inhibition can markedly improve radiotherapy effectiveness in brainstem glioma, supporting a potential translational path.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reitman, Zachary — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Reitman, Zachary
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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.