Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Edema in Brain Tumors
Official title: Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Vasogenic Cerebral Edema in Brain Tumors
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11412708 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in glioblastoma patients and models looks at how brain swelling (edema) happens and whether targeting specific immune cells can reduce edema without hurting cancer treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2017 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $584,709 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS100864-11 |
| Project ID | NIH-11412708 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with glioblastoma or other brain tumors experiencing edema and undergoing treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without edema or not undergoing radiotherapy may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project explores why vasogenic edema occurs in glioblastoma and how immune cells called macrophages contribute. It builds on prior findings that dexamethasone reduces edema but can weaken radiotherapy, and that targeting IL-1β might offer edema reduction without lowering RT effectiveness. The research combines laboratory work with animal or cell models and may involve analyzing human samples to connect immune signals with edema control. The goal is to uncover a therapy that lessens edema while preserving or enhancing cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience less brain swelling during treatment without compromising radiotherapy efficacy.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests IL-1β targeting can reduce edema and may spare radiation effectiveness, supporting feasibility but requiring confirmation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hambardzumyan, Dolores — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Hambardzumyan, Dolores
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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.