Targeting DNA repair weaknesses in IDH‑mutant glioma
Analyzing DNA replication and damage vulnerability in IDH mutant glioma
Researchers aim to exploit DNA repair weaknesses to boost the effect of chemotherapy and radiation for adults with IDH‑mutant glioma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294274 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies why gliomas with an IDH1 mutation are especially vulnerable to problems during DNA replication and repair. In the lab, scientists will probe PARP/PARG signaling, NAD+ metabolism, and BRCA1‑related repair pathways in tumor cells and models to find the key drivers of sensitivity. The team plans to identify drug combinations that kill tumor cells while avoiding the blood toxicities that limit current PARP inhibitors. The long‑term goal is to turn those lab findings into safer, more effective treatments for people with IDH‑mutant glioma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with gliomas that carry IDH1 mutations are the group this research is intended to help.
Not a fit: Patients with gliomas lacking IDH mutations, non‑glioma brain tumors, or pediatric patients are unlikely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to targeted therapies that make chemotherapy and radiation more effective against IDH‑mutant gliomas while reducing systemic side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work has shown PARP‑related vulnerabilities in IDH‑mutant gliomas and therapeutic combinations can work in lab models, but clinical use has been limited by systemic toxicities.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cahill, Daniel P. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Cahill, Daniel P.
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.