Targeting immune cells in brain tumors to improve treatment outcomes
Official title: Harnessing Tumor Associated Macrophages in Glioblastoma
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11018519 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how to change certain immune cells in the brain that help glioblastoma grow, so they can instead help your body fight the cancer, with the hope of finding better treatment options for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $121,043 |
| NIH project number | 5K99NS135130-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11018519 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with glioblastoma who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-glioblastoma brain tumors or those who are not eligible for experimental therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer, can be manipulated to enhance the body's immune response against the tumor. By understanding the molecular mechanisms that control the behavior of these immune cells, the research aims to shift them from a state that supports tumor growth to one that promotes anti-tumor immunity. The approach involves targeting specific signaling pathways to potentially improve the effectiveness of existing therapies. Patients may benefit from new treatment strategies that could lead to better outcomes in managing glioblastoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for glioblastoma patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting immune cells in other cancers, suggesting that this approach may also be effective in glioblastoma.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hofstatter Azambuja, Juliana — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Hofstatter Azambuja, Juliana
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CD38-Driven Changes in Brain Tumor Metabolism and Immunity in Glioblastoma
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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.