Targeting metabolic weaknesses in a type of brain tumor called IDH-mutant astrocytoma.

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing new treatments for IDH-mutant grade 4 astrocytomas, a type of malignant brain tumor. The approach involves identifying specific metabolic vulnerabilities in tumor cells caused by genetic mutations, which can be targeted with specialized drugs. A phase 0 clinical trial will be conducted to test a new drug that affects nucleotide metabolism, aiming to selectively kill cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Patients will be closely monitored to assess how well the tumor responds to this treatment.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Brigham and Women's Hospital
  Boston, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Batchelor, Tracy T — Brigham and Women's Hospital
• Study coordinator: Batchelor, Tracy T

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Targeting epigenetic changes in IDH‑mutant, ATRX‑loss adult astrocytoma

  Researchers are working to help the immune system better recognize and attack adult astrocytoma tumors that have IDH mutations and ATRX loss.

  NIH research Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11290314

• Advanced brain MRI to understand thinking and memory in low-grade astrocytoma

  This project uses advanced MRI scans to link brain changes with thinking and quality of life in people with lower-grade astrocytoma.

  NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11173633

• Targeting tumor metabolism in IDH‑mutant grade 4 astrocytoma

  People with IDH‑mutant grade 4 astrocytoma will get a short presurgery dose of a brain‑penetrant drug that blocks nucleotide metabolism to look for early effects on the tumor.

  NIH research Brigham and Women's Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11164786

• Understanding how certain brain tumors evade the immune system

  This study is looking at how certain brain tumors called astrocytomas, which often affect younger adults, can avoid being attacked by the immune system, and it aims to find new ways to make treatments work better by understanding how these tumors interact with immune cells.

  NIH research Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11043440

• Evaluating cognitive function in patients with lower grade astrocytomas using advanced brain imaging techniques.

  This study is looking at how special brain scans can help us understand how lower grade astrocytomas affect thinking and memory in patients, with the hope of finding ways to improve their quality of life and support those who might struggle with cognitive issues.

  NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-10910045

• Investigating a new treatment for recurrent brain tumors using a viral vector and a prodrug.

  This study is looking at a new treatment for people with tough brain tumors called glioblastoma or anaplastic astrocytoma, using a special combination of therapies to see if it can help them live longer and fight their tumors better.

  NIH research University of Miami School of Medicine · Coral Gables, United States · NIH-10888393

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.