Using vitamin C to enhance treatment for brain cancer
Official title: Redox manipulation of iron to improve glioblastoma therapy: A phase 1 trial
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10842278 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether high-dose vitamin C given through an IV can make standard treatments for glioblastoma, a tough type of brain cancer, work better by helping to damage the cancer cells more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | May 16, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $172,653 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA270742-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10842278 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma who are undergoing standard treatment and have specific tumor characteristics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with glioblastoma who do not meet the specific tumor criteria or those who are not receiving standard treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of pharmacological ascorbate, or high-dose intravenous vitamin C, in combination with standard therapies for glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer. The approach focuses on how vitamin C can enhance the effectiveness of radiation and chemotherapy by altering the metabolism of iron in tumor cells, leading to increased production of harmful reactive oxygen species that can damage cancer cells. Patients will be monitored for safety and treatment outcomes as they receive this combined therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve survival rates and treatment outcomes for patients with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous trials have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for significant advancements in glioblastoma treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allen, Bryan — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Allen, Bryan
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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.