Using 3D-printed hydrogels with neural stem cells to improve glioblastoma treatment
Novel Bioprinted Neural Stem Cell-Embedded Hydrogel Matrices for Enhanced Treatment of Glioblastoma
This study is exploring a new way to treat glioblastoma, a tough brain cancer, by using special 3D-printed gels filled with stem cells that can find and attack the tumor, aiming to make treatments more effective and help prevent the cancer from coming back after surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10936514 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the treatment of glioblastoma, a severe brain cancer, by utilizing 3D-printed hydrogel matrices embedded with therapeutic neural stem cells (tNSCs). These tNSCs have a natural ability to migrate towards tumor cells, which can be harnessed to deliver targeted therapies directly to the tumor site. The study aims to improve the durability and effectiveness of these stem cells by encapsulating them in biocompatible materials, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients after surgery. By addressing the limitations of current treatment methods, this approach seeks to reduce the risk of tumor recurrence.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with glioblastoma who are undergoing surgical treatment.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not surgical candidates may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for glioblastoma, potentially extending survival and improving quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using neural stem cells for targeted therapy in glioblastoma, indicating that this approach has potential based on earlier successes.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kass, Lauren — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Kass, Lauren
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 below.