Noe Mercado
Investigating the Role of a Common Human Virus in Brain Tumors
Summary
Glioblastoma is a deadly brain tumor with very limited therapies currently available. The current standard of care has not changed since 2005, and patient survival has not significantly improved past 14 months. Recent reports have indicated that pathogens like viruses contribute to glioblastoma growth. Our lab focuses on understanding the role of how a widespread human virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) may drive glioblastoma growth. CMV persists in the body after primary infection, with 60-90% of the population being infected. Thus, targeting CMV may provide a new therapeutic strategy to treat glioblastoma patients. The goal of my research is to assess the changes in glioblastoma after CMV infection and to determine whether targeting the virus using antiviral drugs may provide therapeutic benefit. Ultimately, my data will provide new insights into glioblastoma tumor biology and identify new therapeutic approaches that previously have not been considered in the clinic.
I am incredibly honored to receive the PhRMA Foundation predoctoral fellowship. This award will support my efforts to find novel therapeutic approaches to treat brain tumors like glioblastoma and make a meaningful impact in my field.
