Research And Grants

Precision Immunotherapy for Diffuse Midline Glioma Targeting

Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) or diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) are aggressive brain tumors that occur in children. These tumors are currently incurable, and new, more effective treatments are urgently needed. This project proposes a new strategy to tackle DIPG using cutting-edge precision immunotherapy and radiation therapy approaches, tested in lab models before being considered for human trials. Specifically, our research team, bringing together complimentary expertise, is exploring three innovative therapies by developing an improved CAR-T cell therapy and a dual-targeting CAR-T cell therapy as well as combination treatment with innovative FLASH proton therapy. FLASH is a new form of radiation treatment that kills tumor cells while sparing healthy brain tissue and may potentiate the effect of CAR-T cells. In addition to testing these therapies alone and in combination, the team will also study how tumors resist treatment by examining changes in their genetic and epigenetic makeup. Altogether, our study will bring together new powerful and precision tools in immunotherapy, radiation, and molecular profiling to develop safer and more effective treatments for children with DIPG. The ultimate goal is to bring these discoveries closer to clinical use and offer hope for families affected by this devastating disease.