Project R-8216

Novel preclinical bioluminescence-based combination treatment approaches to improve glioblastoma outcome (Research)

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive malignant brain cancer with a dismal survival with the current standard of care. Although several new therapeutics have been identified, very few clinical successes have been achieved, due to the lack of predictive preclinical models. Using GBM models in the brain of rats mimicking high-grade human gliomas, we will apply a novel approach, namely the downscaling of the clinical concept of human image-guided radiotherapy, to the level of preclinical animal studies, to investigate new therapeutic approached targeting the GBM mechanisms of treatment resistance. These kinds of studies require an integrated irradiation and imaging research platform, of which one of the most advanced in the world is available at UM. To allow non-invasive monitoring of tumor growth and treatment planning, we will apply bioluminescence imaging for which 3D reconstruction algorithms will be developed. These tools will be used to enable radiotherapy treatment planning to establish whether anti-cancer treatment based on hypoxia-targeting prodrugs and immunotherapy in combination with radiotherapy will affect tumor control compared to radiotherapy alone, and if so, if there is synergy between the therapies.

01 September 2017 - 31 August 2021