Using engineered macrophages to treat glioblastoma

Engineering mRNA encapsulated extracellular vesicles for in vivo chimeric antigen receptor macrophage therapy for glioblastoma

NIH-funded research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10938232

This study is testing a new treatment for glioblastoma, a tough brain cancer, by using specially modified immune cells to help them better target and attack the tumor, offering hope for those who haven't had success with standard therapies.

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-10938232 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new therapy for glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer that is resistant to traditional treatments. The approach involves engineering macrophages, a type of immune cell, to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that can target and attack tumor cells. By modifying these macrophages outside the body and then reintroducing them, the goal is to enhance their ability to fight the cancer effectively. This innovative method aims to overcome the challenges faced by conventional CAR T-cell therapies in treating glioblastoma.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with glioblastoma who have not responded well to existing treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not diagnosed with glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective treatment option for patients with glioblastoma, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While CAR T-cell therapies have shown success in hematologic cancers, this approach using CAR macrophages for glioblastoma is novel and has not been extensively tested.

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.
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.