Understanding how brain tumors use existing blood vessels to grow

Image-based Systems Biology of Vascular Co-option in Brain Tumors

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11065515

This study is looking at how gliomas, a kind of brain tumor, can use the brain's own blood vessels to grow instead of making new ones, and it aims to help us better understand how this affects blood flow and brain structure, which could lead to better ways to spot and understand these tumors.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11065515 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how gliomas, a type of brain tumor, can grow and spread by taking over the brain's existing blood vessels instead of forming new ones. The study aims to understand the changes in blood flow and brain structure caused by this process, known as vascular co-option. Using advanced imaging techniques, researchers will track the tumor's growth and its impact on surrounding brain tissue over time. By developing a new biomarker through functional MRI, the research seeks to improve the detection and understanding of these tumors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with gliomas, particularly aggressive forms like glioblastoma.

Not a fit: Patients with non-glioma brain tumors or those without brain tumors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for patients with gliomas.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using imaging techniques to study tumor behavior, but this specific approach to vascular co-option is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, 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.