Understanding how brain tumors evolve and become resistant to treatment

The Immortality and Evolution of Adult Brain Tumors

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10917101

This study is looking at how brain tumors grow and become resistant to treatments, so we can find better ways to personalize immunotherapy for patients with brain tumors.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10917101 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind the immortality and evolution of brain tumors, focusing on how these tumors develop resistance to therapies. By utilizing a unique 3-dimensional sampling approach, the team collects multiple spatially mapped samples from each tumor to analyze genetic and immune characteristics. The goal is to identify specific mutations that create neoantigens, which can be targeted for personalized immunotherapy. This work aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients with brain tumors by addressing the challenges posed by tumor heterogeneity.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with brain tumors, particularly those who are 21 years or older.

Not a fit: Patients with non-brain tumor cancers or those under 21 years of age may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective personalized immunotherapies for patients with brain tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using similar approaches to target tumor heterogeneity and improve immunotherapy outcomes, indicating a potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.