NIH-funded research R37 grant

Understanding how the immune system can fight brain tumors in patients with specific genetic mutations.

Official title: Interrogating Mechanisms of Anti-tumor Immunity in Human Subjects and Murine Models of IDH-Mutant Glioma Treated with All-Trans Retinoic Acid and PD-1 Inhibition

Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10880594 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the immune system works with a specific type of brain tumor called IDH-mutant gliomas and testing if certain treatments can help boost the body's ability to fight these tumors, with the goal of finding better, personalized treatment options for patients.

More Glioma research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project startJuly 3, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$689,044
NIH project number5R37CA284132-02
Project IDNIH-10880594 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with IDH-mutant gliomas who are seeking new treatment options.

Less likely to help

Patients with gliomas that do not have IDH mutations or those who are not eligible for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how the immune system interacts with IDH-mutant gliomas, a type of brain tumor, and how treatments like All-Trans Retinoic Acid and PD-1 inhibitors can enhance anti-tumor immunity. By analyzing both human clinical trial data and mouse models, the researchers aim to identify immune biomarkers and key immune cell types that can predict how well these tumors respond to therapy. This approach could lead to more effective treatment strategies tailored to individual patients based on their tumor's characteristics.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with IDH-mutant gliomas, potentially increasing survival rates and quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using immunotherapy for brain tumors, but this specific approach focusing on IDH mutations and combined therapies is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Amankulor, Nduka Mgbechinyere — University of Pennsylvania
  • Study coordinator: Amankulor, Nduka Mgbechinyere

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.