Understanding how brain tumors use existing blood vessels to grow
Official title: Image-based Systems Biology of Vascular Co-option in Brain Tumors
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11065515 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 27, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $447,193 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA196701-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065515 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with gliomas, particularly aggressive forms like glioblastoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-glioma brain tumors or those without brain tumors may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pathak, Arvind P — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Pathak, Arvind P
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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.