Using 3D-printed hydrogels with neural stem cells to improve glioblastoma treatment
Official title: Novel Bioprinted Neural Stem Cell-Embedded Hydrogel Matrices for Enhanced Treatment of Glioblastoma
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10936514 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $40,492 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS134198-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936514 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with glioblastoma who are undergoing surgical treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not surgical candidates may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Small molecules to block Slit2/ROBO in glioblastoma
A study to test small molecule drugs that block Slit2/ROBO signals to help treat glioblastoma in patients.
-
Immunotherapy for glioblastoma: advancing treatment and understanding
A patient-friendly summary of a grant exploring new immune-based treatments for glioblastoma to improve options for people affected by this brain cancer.
-
Small-molecule and biologic treatments for glioblastoma using targeted brain delivery
A new approach aims to use FPS-ZM1 to shrink brain swelling and support immunotherapy for glioblastoma, potentially helping patients recover after surgery.
-
Targeted therapies for glioblastoma in adults and kids
A large NIH program is exploring new brain cancer therapies, including drugs that reach the brain and work against glioblastoma in both children and adults.
-
6-thio-2'-deoxyguanosine for glioblastoma: a new approach to target tumors before surgery
A trial tests a novel drug given before glioblastoma surgery to see how it behaves in the body and within the tumor, and to learn how it affects cancer cells and the immune environment.
-
CD38-Driven Changes in Brain Tumor Metabolism and Immunity in Glioblastoma
A patient-facing look at how scientists plan to study how glioblastoma grows by changing its metabolism and dampening the immune response, with potential targets to help treatment in the future.
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.