Using advanced imaging to improve treatment for brain cancer
Official title: Utilization of Immuno-PET to detect response and guide novel oHSV-based therapy for glioma
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11061267 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how new imaging technology can help us see how your immune system responds to a special treatment for glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer, using a modified virus, so we can find better ways to help you and others with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $571,444 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279143-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061267 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma who are considering or undergoing immunotherapy treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those not eligible for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how advanced imaging techniques can track the immune response in patients with glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer, during a novel therapy using oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV). By utilizing immuno-PET imaging, the study aims to measure how T-cells are activated and infiltrate tumors over time, providing insights that could enhance treatment effectiveness. The goal is to better understand the immune changes that occur during therapy, which could lead to improved patient selection and treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment plans for patients with glioblastoma by allowing for earlier and more accurate assessments of their response to therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using advanced imaging techniques in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sorace, Anna C — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Sorace, Anna C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Next‑gen oncolytic virus therapy for glioblastoma targeting AKT and ERK
A new cancer therapy using an engineered oncolytic virus to fight glioblastoma by blocking AKT/ERK signals and boosting the body’s immune response, with potential to reduce seizures and improve quality of life.
-
Bone marrow immune cells and glioma progression in teens and young adults
A study in adolescents and young adults with brain tumors looks at how immune cells from bone marrow may influence the progression from low-grade to high-grade gliomas.
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How RNA Splicing Might Shape Glioma Cell States and Therapy Response
A small NIH-funded project will study how alternative RNA splicing influences glioma cell identities and treatment resistance in patient-derived cells.
-
Liquid biopsy for monitoring high-grade glioma using patient-specific DNA junctions
A Mayo Clinic team tests a blood test that looks for unique tumor DNA pieces in glioblastoma patients to monitor disease without frequent scans.
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Deciphering how a brain cell pH helper influences glioma growth
A study is exploring whether a brain cell pH regulator (Slc4a4) affects the growth and blood vessel changes of malignant glioma to identify new angles for treatment.
-
Predicting how gene therapy spreads in glioblastoma after surgery to improve treatment coverage
This project uses a gene therapy that helps radiation work better against glioblastoma and builds computer models to predict where the therapy reaches after surgical tumor removal.
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.