Targeting tumor-supporting immune cells to boost brain tumor radiation
Improving glioma radiotherapy by theragnostic targeting of tumor-supporting macrophages
This project tests whether adding the FDA-approved iron agent ferumoxytol to standard radiation can help people with glioblastoma respond better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308723 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have glioblastoma, this work looks at combining the radiation you would normally get with a repurposed FDA-approved iron agent called ferumoxytol that can alter tumor-supporting immune cells called macrophages. Researchers will use lab models and clinically relevant radiation schedules that reflect treatment for newly diagnosed and recurrent patients. They will study how changing these macrophages affects tumor cell survival and the immune response after radiation. The team aims to understand the ways this combined approach might make radiation kill tumor cells more effectively.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with newly diagnosed or recurrent glioblastoma who are receiving or eligible for radiotherapy would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without glioblastoma, those not receiving radiation, or anyone with a known allergy or contraindication to iron products may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding ferumoxytol to radiation could make radiotherapy more effective and delay or prevent tumor recurrence.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory and imaging studies show ferumoxytol can affect tumor immune cells, but combining it with radiation for glioblastoma remains largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
West Lafayette, United States
- Purdue University — West Lafayette, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scarpelli, Matthew — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Scarpelli, Matthew
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.