Targeting the stem-like cells that drive aggressive brain tumors
Targeting Glioblastoma Stem Cells
Researchers are looking for ways to find and block the stem-like tumor cells in people with glioblastoma to help treatments work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176350 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I have glioblastoma and this project studies the special stem-like cells inside tumors that help them grow, resist treatment, and spread. The team examines how aging and the brain environment change these cells using laboratory models and human tumor tissue. They test strategies in cells and animal models to see which approaches can disable these stem-like cells and make tumors more vulnerable. The aim is to identify methods that could be moved into future clinical trials for people like me.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with glioblastoma, especially those having surgery or tumor tissue removed who can donate samples, would be the most relevant candidates to follow this line of work.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of brain tumors or those needing an immediate proven therapy may not see direct benefit from this research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to treatments that reduce recurrence and make standard therapies more effective for people with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and animal studies have suggested cancer stem cell approaches can slow tumor growth, but translating those findings into clear patient benefits for glioblastoma remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rich, Jeremy N — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Rich, Jeremy N
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 below.