Why older adults with glioblastoma have worse outcomes

Extratumoral biological determinants that decrease survival in older adults with glioblastoma

NIH-funded research Loyola University Chicago · NIH-11320878

This project looks at biological differences outside the tumor that may explain why people aged 65 and older with IDH-wildtype glioblastoma have poorer survival after standard treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLoyola University Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Maywood, United States)
Project IDNIH-11320878 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

The team will compare biological signals from the tumor environment and the rest of the body in older versus younger adults with IDH-wildtype glioblastoma. They will analyze gene expression, immune features, and clinical outcomes using tissue and blood samples plus data from prior clinical trials. The work combines laboratory studies with patient samples and clinical records to find factors linked to worse survival in older patients. Findings could point to targets or strategies to help tailor therapies for older people with GBM.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 65 or older with newly diagnosed IDH-wildtype glioblastoma who can provide clinical data and tissue or blood samples.

Not a fit: People younger than 65, those with IDH-mutant gliomas, or patients unwilling/unable to provide samples or clinical information are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the project could identify biological reasons for poor outcomes in older GBM patients and lead to treatments or approaches better matched to their needs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous immunotherapy and standard-treatment studies in GBM have had limited success—especially in older adults—so focusing on extratumoral biology is a relatively new approach.

Where this research is happening

Maywood, 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 2026-06-15 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.