Understanding how metabolic changes help glioblastoma resist radiation treatment
Official title: Drivers of metabolic plasticity promote radiation resistance in glioblastoma multiforme
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10877054 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why glioblastoma, a tough type of brain cancer, often doesn't respond well to radiation therapy, and it's for patients who want to understand how researchers are trying to find new ways to make this treatment work better for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 6, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $339,008 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA251872-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877054 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme who are undergoing or have undergone radiation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not receiving radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind glioblastoma multiforme's resistance to radiation therapy, a common treatment for this aggressive brain cancer. The team will explore how glioblastoma cells alter their metabolism to survive radiation, focusing on specific pathways that generate antioxidants. By studying the roles of key enzymes and transcription factors involved in this metabolic reprogramming, the researchers aim to identify potential therapeutic targets that could enhance the effectiveness of radiation treatment for patients. The approach combines laboratory experiments with advanced techniques to analyze cellular responses to radiation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy for glioblastoma patients, potentially increasing survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways to overcome treatment resistance in various cancers, suggesting that this approach may be effective for glioblastoma as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vlashi, Erina — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Vlashi, Erina
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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.