Understanding Brain Changes After Radiation for Glioblastoma
Polyamine and Glutamate Driven Interactions in the Glioblastoma-Brain Microenvironment
This project explores how certain brain chemicals, polyamines and glutamate, contribute to cognitive changes in patients receiving radiation therapy for brain tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135392 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Radiation therapy is a common and effective treatment for brain tumors like glioblastoma, helping patients live longer. However, many patients experience cognitive difficulties after treatment, and we don't fully understand why. This research aims to uncover the biological reasons behind these cognitive changes, focusing on how radiation affects brain cells. We believe that too much glutamate signaling, along with polyamines, plays a key role in causing this damage. By understanding these mechanisms, we hope to find ways to protect the brain from radiation's side effects while still effectively treating tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with brain tumors, particularly glioblastoma, who receive or may receive radiation therapy and experience cognitive side effects.
Not a fit: Patients without brain tumors or those not undergoing radiation therapy for brain lesions would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that protect brain function during radiation therapy for brain tumors and potentially make radiation more effective against cancer cells.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that radiation can cause changes in brain cells and that glutamate and polyamines are involved in tumor biology, suggesting this approach builds on existing knowledge.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Welford, Scott Michael — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Welford, Scott Michael
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.