Using nanoparticles to enhance immune responses against brain tumors
Official title: Photothermal Nanoparticles Immune Engineer Tumor-specific T cells for Adoptive Cell Therapy
Funded at George Washington University · NIH-11065502 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help your immune system fight glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer, by using special particles to boost your own tumor cells and create a personalized treatment just for you after surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | April 3, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $605,957 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA290045-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065502 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma who have undergone surgery and are in a minimally residual disease state.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced glioblastoma or those who have not undergone surgery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new method using photothermal nanoparticles to create tumor-specific T cells for treating glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. The approach involves taking tumor cells from patients after surgery and treating them with these nanoparticles to enhance their ability to stimulate the immune system. The treated tumor cells are then combined with immune cells from the patient or a matched donor to generate a personalized therapy aimed at improving patient outcomes. This therapy is intended for patients who have undergone standard treatments and are in a state of minimal residual disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for glioblastoma, potentially improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results using similar nanoparticle approaches to enhance immune responses in cancer therapy.
Where this research is happening
-
George Washington University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fernandes, Rohan — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Fernandes, Rohan
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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.