NIH-funded research R21 grant

Targeting proteins to improve treatment for aggressive brain cancer

Official title: Targeting scaffolding proteins to disrupt radioresistance in glioblastoma

Funded at Upstate Medical University · NIH-10975997 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at ways to make radiation therapy work better for people with glioblastoma, a tough type of brain cancer, by targeting the special cells that help the tumor survive and resist treatment.

More Glioblastoma research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUpstate Medical University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Syracuse, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$448,250
NIH project number1R21NS139236-01
Project IDNIH-10975997 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma who are experiencing treatment resistance.

Less likely to help

Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not diagnosed with glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer that often becomes resistant to standard treatments. The project aims to disrupt the survival mechanisms of glioblastoma stem-like cells, which are responsible for the tumor's resilience. By targeting specific cell-scaffolding proteins that these cells rely on, the researchers hope to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy. This innovative approach seeks to create vulnerabilities in the cancer cells, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes for patients.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar cellular mechanisms in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Upstate Medical University
    Syracuse, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Viapiano, Mariano Sebastian — Upstate Medical University
  • Study coordinator: Viapiano, Mariano Sebastian

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.