Andrea Comba, Ph.D.Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive type of brain tumor in humans, with an average survival of approximately 15 months despite current treatment options. A major barrier to effective treatment is the highly invasive nature of glioblastoma cells, which infiltrate the surrounding brain and drive tumor formation. Growing evidence shows that glioma invasion is not only controlled by tumor cells but is strongly influenced by interactions with brain-resident stromal cells, particularly astrocytes. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing new effective therapies.
Andrea Comba, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Division of Neuropathology, was recently awarded an $800,000 2026 Breaking Barriers in Cancer Research grant by the V Foundation for Cancer Research for her project, titled, “Dissecting the Tumor-Brain Astrocyte Paracrine Crosstalk to Overcome Glioblastoma Progression”.
Astrocytes usually support and protect brain function, but in the presence of glioblastoma, they can undergo changes that may help the tumor grow and spread. Comba’s research focuses on collagen I, a network of fibers produced and secreted outside the glioblastoma cells that provide structural support to the tumor.
“We believe that collagen I is a malicious signal that triggers harmful changes in astrocytes, turning them into allies of the tumor rather than defenders of the brain,” Comba said.
Comba aims to study how these collagen I fibers influence astrocytes and make them more supportive of tumor invasion.
“This research is crucial because understanding these interactions could lead to new ways of targeting and treating glioblastoma, potentially improving outcomes for patients who currently have limited options,” Comba said.
If successful, this study could pave the way for new studies that specifically target the interactions between tumor cells and astrocytes, offering hope for better treatment strategies in the future.
“V Foundation awards are very competitive,” said Barry Sleckman, M.D., Ph.D., director of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. “This funding speaks highly to the quality of Dr. Comba’s proposal. I am very proud of her and looking forward to the great things she will do.”
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and renowned basketball coach, Jim Valvano. Their mission is to fund all-star cancer researchers and game changing cancer research. The V Scholar grant supports tenure-track faculty in the early stages of their cancer research careers by funding laboratory-based fundamental research or translational projects in any area of adult cancer research.