Using engineered cells to deliver a virus that targets brain tumors
Official title: Encapsulated Cell Based Oncolytic Virus Therapy for Brain Tumors
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11130597 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for glioblastoma, a tough brain tumor, by using specially designed stem cells to deliver a virus that helps kill any leftover cancer cells after surgery, and it's aimed at patients who have just had surgery for this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 6, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $420,251 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS138137-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11130597 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma who have recently undergone surgical tumor removal.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who have not had surgery for glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel therapy for glioblastoma, the most aggressive type of brain tumor, by using engineered stem cells to deliver an oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) directly to tumor sites after surgical removal. The approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of the virus in killing remaining cancer cells and stimulating the immune system to fight the tumor. By encapsulating the virus within stem cells, the therapy seeks to improve delivery and reduce immune evasion, potentially leading to better patient outcomes. Patients who have undergone surgery for glioblastoma may be eligible for this innovative treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with glioblastoma by enhancing tumor targeting and immune response.
How similar studies have gone: Previous clinical trials using oncolytic viruses have shown promise in treating glioblastoma, indicating that this approach may build on existing successful strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shah, Khalid a — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Shah, Khalid a
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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.