Understanding how glioblastoma cells and immune cells interact to find new ways to treat brain tumors

Metabolic interactions between tumor cells and the immune system in GBM: A potential Achilles heel of GBM for novel therapeutics

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Jacksonville · NIH-11240094

This project explores how different glioblastoma cells use energy and talk to immune cells, hoping to find new ways to stop these aggressive brain tumors.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Jacksonville NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Jacksonville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11240094 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a very aggressive brain tumor where some cells grow quickly and others, called slow-cycling cells, are resistant to treatment and rely on fats for energy. We want to understand how these tough slow-cycling cells communicate with the immune system within the tumor. It appears these slow-cycling cells might be creating an environment that suppresses the immune system, and in return, the immune cells might be providing the fats these tumor cells need to survive. By uncovering these metabolic conversations, we aim to develop new medications that can break this harmful cycle and make GBM more treatable.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding glioblastoma at a cellular level, and while it doesn't involve direct patient participation yet, future clinical trials based on these findings would likely seek patients with glioblastoma.

Not a fit: Patients without glioblastoma would not directly benefit from this specific research, as it is highly focused on the biology of this particular brain tumor.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new drug treatments that target the unique energy needs of resistant glioblastoma cells, potentially improving outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of metabolic heterogeneity in cancer is gaining attention, this specific approach of targeting the metabolic interplay between resistant glioblastoma cells and the immune system is a novel and untested strategy.

Where this research is happening

Jacksonville, 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.
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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.