Targeting the spread of brain tumors in children
Official title: Targeting Leptomeningeal Metastasis in Medulloblastoma
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10907839 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat medulloblastoma, a common brain tumor in kids, by using tiny particles to deliver a special antibiotic directly to the tumor, which could make the treatment work better and cause fewer side effects for young patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2019 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $454,924 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS111292-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10907839 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with medulloblastoma, particularly those experiencing leptomeningeal metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not diagnosed with medulloblastoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor in children, which often spreads through the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The team is investigating a new treatment approach using nanoparticles to deliver the antibiotic actinomycin directly to the tumor cells, aiming to improve effectiveness while reducing side effects associated with traditional therapies. By optimizing delivery methods, including the use of targeting ligands and different administration routes, the research seeks to enhance treatment outcomes for affected patients. Patients may benefit from a more effective treatment that minimizes damage to healthy brain tissue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for medulloblastoma with fewer long-term side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sirianni, Rachael W — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Sirianni, Rachael W
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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.