Understanding how brain immune cells support brain tumors
Official title: Investigate and inhibit microglia support of brain metastases
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10925241 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special immune cells in the brain, called microglia, help support aggressive brain tumors, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how these cells interact with tumors to find new ways to treat them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $335,644 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA261717-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925241 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with brain metastases from various primary cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with primary brain tumors that do not involve metastasis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microglia, the brain's immune cells, in supporting aggressive brain metastases. By analyzing human brain metastases and their surrounding tissue, the researchers aim to understand how these cells interact with tumors and contribute to their growth. The study employs advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to gather detailed information about the tumor microenvironment. The ultimate goal is to find ways to manipulate these interactions for therapeutic benefits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that inhibit the growth of brain metastases and improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting immune cells in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach may also be effective for brain metastases.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hayden Gephart, Melanie — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Hayden Gephart, Melanie
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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.