Using modified viruses to treat brain tumors
Official title: Oncolytic HSV Immunovirotherapy for brain tumors
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10954384 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to treat glioblastoma, a tough type of brain cancer, by using specially modified herpes viruses to help your immune system fight the tumor better while also tackling some of the challenges that make it harder for your body to fight back, and if you join the trial, you could be among the first to try this promising treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $627,061 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA285657-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10954384 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are individuals diagnosed with glioblastoma who have limited treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not diagnosed with glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer, and investigates the use of genetically-engineered herpes simplex viruses to improve treatment outcomes. The approach aims to enhance the immune response against the tumor while reducing immune suppression caused by adenosine in the tumor environment. By combining these strategies, the researchers hope to create a more effective therapy for patients suffering from this aggressive cancer. Patients may receive this innovative treatment as part of the clinical trials conducted during the research period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved survival rates and better quality of life for patients with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using oncolytic viruses for cancer treatment, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martuza, Robert L — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Martuza, Robert L
Related research
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ONC206 for children with dangerous brain tumors
A first-in-children study tests the safety and early effectiveness of an oral drug, ONC206, for kids with high-risk brain tumors that have spread or recurred.
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Bioengineered brain barrier chip to improve drug screening for brain tumors
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Understanding how epigenetic changes drive pediatric brain tumor recurrence and how reversing them could help
A pediatric brain cancer research project is exploring how an epigenetic change (H3K27M) and tumor environment contribute to tumor coming back, using a reversible mouse model to study potential ways to prevent recurrence.
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.