Understanding how certain brain tumors evade the immune system
Official title: Targeting oncogenic epigenetic mechanisms in IDHmut/ATRXloss Astrocytoma
Funded at Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger · NIH-11043440 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain tumors called astrocytomas, which often affect younger adults, can avoid being attacked by the immune system, and it aims to find new ways to make treatments work better by understanding how these tumors interact with immune cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $308,237 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS135208-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043440 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older diagnosed with IDHmut/ATRXloss astrocytomas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those without the specific genetic mutations being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on astrocytomas, a type of brain tumor that often affects young to middle-aged adults. It aims to uncover the mechanisms by which these tumors, particularly those with specific genetic mutations, manage to escape the body's immune response. By studying the tumor microenvironment and the interactions between tumor cells and immune cells, the researchers hope to identify new therapeutic strategies that can enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies. The approach includes analyzing cellular and molecular pathways that contribute to immune evasion in these tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with specific types of astrocytomas, improving their chances of survival.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting immune evasion mechanisms in tumors, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
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Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Yunqing — Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger
- Study coordinator: Li, Yunqing
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting epigenetic changes in IDH‑mutant, ATRX‑loss adult astrocytoma
Researchers are working to help the immune system better recognize and attack adult astrocytoma tumors that have IDH mutations and ATRX loss.
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Advanced brain MRI to understand thinking and memory in low-grade astrocytoma
This project uses advanced MRI scans to link brain changes with thinking and quality of life in people with lower-grade astrocytoma.
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Targeting tumor metabolism in IDH‑mutant grade 4 astrocytoma
People with IDH‑mutant grade 4 astrocytoma will get a short presurgery dose of a brain‑penetrant drug that blocks nucleotide metabolism to look for early effects on the tumor.
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Targeting metabolic weaknesses in a type of brain tumor called IDH-mutant astrocytoma.
This study is looking for new ways to treat a type of brain tumor called IDH-mutant grade 4 astrocytomas by testing a special drug that targets the tumor's unique weaknesses, with the hope of killing the cancer cells while keeping healthy cells safe.
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Evaluating cognitive function in patients with lower grade astrocytomas using advanced brain imaging techniques.
This study is looking at how special brain scans can help us understand how lower grade astrocytomas affect thinking and memory in patients, with the hope of finding ways to improve their quality of life and support those who might struggle with cognitive issues.
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Investigating a new treatment for recurrent brain tumors using a viral vector and a prodrug.
This study is looking at a new treatment for people with tough brain tumors called glioblastoma or anaplastic astrocytoma, using a special combination of therapies to see if it can help them live longer and fight their tumors better.
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.