New Wafer Could Boost Brain Cancer Immunity

Researchers investigate immunotherapy approach to treating glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:55pm

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Researchers at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center are investigating a novel approach to treating glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, using a slow-release wafer containing an immunostimulatory molecule. The research aims to stimulate the central nervous system's immune response following surgical removal of the tumor.

Why it matters

Glioblastoma is the most common primary cancer originating in the brain, with a poor prognosis. Effective treatments have been elusive due to challenges like the blood-brain barrier and the typically 'cold' immune microenvironment of the central nervous system. This research represents a new approach to leveraging the patient's own immune system to combat this aggressive cancer.

The details

The research team is focusing on Interleukin-15 (IL-15), an immune-stimulating molecule that can activate and expand immune cells critical for recognizing and killing cancer cells. The team will assess how an IL-15-containing wafer stimulates the immune system, using a 'glioblastoma-on-a-chip' technology that replicates the natural composition of glioblastoma, including the immune system. This could eventually lead to a platform for predicting a patient's response to immunotherapy and identifying the best personalized treatment approach.

  • The research is supported by a February 4, 2026 Ride Cincinnati grant of $40,000.
  • Glioblastoma has a very poor prognosis, with only 5% to 7% of patients surviving five years after diagnosis.

The players

Dr. Jonathan Forbes

The principal investigator of the project and an associate professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Cincinnati's College of Medicine.

Beatrice Zucca

A medical student who is part of the research team.

Dr. Ricardo Barrile

An assistant professor of biomedical engineering in UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science, who developed the 'glioblastoma-on-a-chip' technology.

University of Cincinnati Cancer Center

The institution where the research is being conducted.

University of Cincinnati Brain Tumor Center

The center is also exploring methods to overcome the blood-brain barrier using navigated focused ultrasound.

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What they’re saying

“After surgery to remove the tumor, we have unencumbered access to a resection cavity that we know microscopically is invaded by tumor cells. Why not use this access to enhance the central nervous system's ability to clear residual tumor cells?”

— Dr. Jonathan Forbes, Principal Investigator

“IL-15 is exceptionally effective at activating immune populations that are critical for recognizing and killing cancer cells. It improves their survival, expands their numbers and enhances their cell-killing function, making it an ideal candidate for driving a coordinated immune attack against a highly-resistant cancer like glioblastoma.”

— Beatrice Zucca, Medical Student

“Instead of testing drugs on flat plastic dishes or relying solely on animal models – which often fail to predict human results due to genetic disparities – we use 3D bioprinting and microfluidics to build a living model of a human organ.”

— Dr. Ricardo Barrile, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering

“We are building a platform that could eventually predict a specific patient's response to immunotherapy. By using a patient's own cells on our chip, we can identify the best therapeutic approach for that specific individual before treatment even begins. We are essentially moving from a one-size-fits-all approach to a tailored-to-you strategy.”

— Dr. Ricardo Barrile, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering

“It brings together molecular immunology, biomedical engineering and clinical neurooncology in a way that has profoundly influenced my development as a researcher. Most importantly, it represents a tangible step toward therapies that leverage the patient's own immune system to combat one of the most aggressive cancers known.”

— Beatrice Zucca, Medical Student

What’s next

The initial phase of the project will concentrate on the wafer's impact on the immune response to glioblastoma cells. Researchers also believe the glioblastoma-on-a-chip technology could eventually be used to predict a specific patient's response to immunotherapy.

The takeaway

This research represents a promising new approach to treating glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer with a poor prognosis. By leveraging the patient's own immune system and using innovative organ-on-a-chip technology, the researchers aim to develop more effective and personalized treatments for this devastating disease.