Telomerase-Targeted Therapy Plus Radiation for Glioblastoma in Veterans
Official title: Enhancing Anti-Tumor Immunity in Glioblastoma via Telomerase Targeting and Radiotherapy
Funded at Southern Arizona VA Health Care System · NIH-11413201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new treatment approach uses a telomerase-targeting drug with radiation to try to shrink glioblastoma tumors in veterans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Southern Arizona VA Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 1IK2RD001883-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413201 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be adults with glioblastoma or at high risk of GBM who could participate in future translational studies and trials testing telomerase-targeted therapy with radiotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without GBM or without tumors driven by telomerase activation may not benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
This project tests 6-thio-2’-deoxyguanosine, a drug that attacks cancer cells with active telomerase, in combination with radiation therapy in brain tumor models that simulate an immune-competent environment. The study aims to see if this dual therapy can reduce tumor burden and boost anti-tumor immune responses. Researchers will use mouse models that resemble how glioblastoma behaves in humans and assess tumor control and survival. If successful, the work could guide future clinical trials to improve care for veterans with GBM.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new, dual-action treatment for glioblastoma that both damages tumor cells and enhances immune attack, potentially extending survival for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that telomerase-targeting strategies can induce cancer cell damage, and combining this with radiation is a plausible avenue with translational potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huntoon, Kristin — Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Huntoon, Kristin
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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.