Using brain imaging to forecast glioblastoma growth and treatment response

Imaging-based tumor forecasting to predict brain tumor progression and response to therapy

NIH-funded research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11190862

This project will use advanced MRI scans plus computer models to predict how a glioblastoma tumor may grow and respond to standard treatments for people with this diagnosis.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11190862 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you have glioblastoma, the team will use your routine and advanced brain images to build a personalized computer model of your tumor. The models include key tumor behaviors such as new blood vessel growth, areas of low oxygen, cell death, and how tumor cells spread and resist therapy. Researchers will compare model predictions against detailed lab and imaging data in pre-clinical testing to improve accuracy before using them clinically. Over time the approach aims to tailor timing and choice of standard treatments to each patient’s tumor behavior.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People diagnosed with glioblastoma who have serial MRI scans and are receiving standard treatments like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy are the best fit.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of brain tumors, no available MRI imaging, or those not receiving standard-of-care treatment may not benefit from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors choose and time treatments more precisely so patients avoid ineffective therapies and may achieve better outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Prior small human and modeling studies have shown promise, but this approach has not yet been systematically validated in pre-clinical settings or widely adopted in routine care.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Brain Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.