Targeting tumor-supporting immune cells to boost brain tumor radiation
Official title: Improving glioma radiotherapy by theragnostic targeting of tumor-supporting macrophages
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11308723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $381,178 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131160-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11308723 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with newly diagnosed or recurrent glioblastoma who are receiving or eligible for radiotherapy would be the most relevant candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without glioblastoma, those not receiving radiation, or anyone with a known allergy or contraindication to iron products may not benefit.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scarpelli, Matthew — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Scarpelli, Matthew
Related research
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Enhancing glioblastoma treatment by targeting tumor-supporting immune cells
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Bone marrow immune cells and glioma progression in teens and young adults
A study in adolescents and young adults with brain tumors looks at how immune cells from bone marrow may influence the progression from low-grade to high-grade gliomas.
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.