Using localized chemotherapy to boost the immune response against brain tumors
Official title: Generating a Systemic Immune Response Using Localized Delivery of Chemotherapy in Brain Tumors
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10850828 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how giving chemotherapy directly to the brain tumor can help boost the immune system's ability to fight glioblastoma, and it’s designed for patients with this type of brain cancer who want to explore new treatment options that might have fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2019 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $348,202 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA230285-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10850828 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with glioblastoma who are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-brain tumors or those who are not eligible for localized chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how localized delivery of chemotherapy can enhance the immune response in patients with glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor. By combining local chemotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors, the study aims to overcome the tumor's ability to evade the immune system. The approach focuses on understanding the mechanisms of immune evasion and identifying potential biomarkers that could predict patient responses to treatment. Patients may receive localized chemotherapy directly at the tumor site, which could minimize side effects compared to traditional systemic chemotherapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved survival rates and better immune responses in patients with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar immunotherapy approaches in other cancer types, indicating potential for success in glioblastoma as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lim, Michael — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Lim, Michael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
AI tool to predict chemotherapy response for brain tumors
This project will build an AI tool to help doctors predict which people with glioblastoma are unlikely to benefit from chemotherapy.
-
Using artificial intelligence to improve chemotherapy decisions for brain tumor patients
This study is testing a new AI system that helps doctors figure out which glioblastoma patients, especially veterans, might not benefit from standard chemotherapy, so they can find better treatment options and avoid unnecessary costs and procedures.
-
Photodynamic lipids to boost chemotherapy for metastatic ovarian cancer
A patient-friendly approach tests a light-activated method to make ovarian cancer metastases more sensitive to chemotherapy.
-
Dual targeting of heart cell receptors to prevent chemotherapy heart damage
Atrial patients receiving the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin may be protected from heart damage by targeting two heart cell receptors at once.
-
A 3D ultrasound scanner to see early chemotherapy response in breast cancer
A new 3D ultrasound imaging method will be tested to see if it can quickly show whether breast cancer is responding to chemotherapy.
-
ONC206 for children with brain tumors: a first-in-children trial
A first-in-children trial will test the safety and early signs of effectiveness of ONC206, taken by mouth, in kids with malignant brain tumors like diffuse midline gliomas.
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.