NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how brain tumors interact with the immune system

Official title: Project 2: Deciphering the Dynamic Evolution of the Tumor-Immune Interface

Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-11186260 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at new ways to treat glioblastoma, a serious brain cancer, by combining chemotherapy with treatments that help boost your immune system, to see if this can improve how well patients respond to the treatment and fight the tumor.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts Institute of Technology
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cambridge, United States)
Project startSeptember 15, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$158,504
NIH project number3U54CA283114-02S1
Project IDNIH-11186260 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with glioblastoma who are seeking innovative treatment options.

Less likely to help

Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not diagnosed with glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer, and explores innovative treatment strategies that combine chemotherapy with immune system boosters. By analyzing how these treatments affect the immune response and the types of tumor antigens presented, the research aims to improve patient outcomes. The approach includes in situ vaccination techniques that could potentially enhance the body's ability to fight the tumor and develop lasting immunity. Patients may be monitored for changes in their immune response and tumor characteristics throughout the treatment process.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for glioblastoma, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy for various cancers, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in glioblastoma.

Where this research is happening

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Cambridge, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: White, Forest M — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Study coordinator: White, Forest M

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.