Targeting specific antigens in pediatric brain tumors for treatment
Official title: Developmentally regulated antigens for immunologic targeting of pediatric brain tumors
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10751884 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat kids with brain tumors, like medulloblastoma and brainstem gliomas, by using special immune cells that can better target the tumors, aiming to improve their chances of recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $419,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS134145-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10751884 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-21 diagnosed with medulloblastoma or brainstem gliomas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with brain tumors that do not express the targeted developmental antigens may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new immunotherapy approach for treating pediatric brain tumors, particularly medulloblastoma and brainstem gliomas. The team aims to enhance the effectiveness of adoptive cellular therapy by identifying and targeting specific developmental antigens that are present in these tumors. By leveraging the connection between normal brain development and tumor formation, the researchers hope to create a more precise treatment that can improve outcomes for young patients. The study involves advanced techniques to isolate and utilize tumor-reactive T cells to combat these aggressive cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted treatments for children suffering from brain tumors, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using immunotherapy for solid tumors, but this specific approach targeting developmental antigens in pediatric brain tumors is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Flores, Catherine T — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Flores, Catherine T
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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.