Tuning CAR T cells to work better in solid tumors
Official title: Tuning KITv CAR T cells for the solid tumor environment
Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11384863 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A cancer-immunotherapy approach uses specially trained CAR T cells designed to attack solid tumors more effectively and safely.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 13, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,848,264 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA292664-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384863 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with solid tumors expressing mesothelin or related targets, especially those who have previously received CAR T cell therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without mesothelin-expressing tumors or with conditions not responding to this therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on previous CAR T cells that target mesothelin and have shown promising safety in solid tumors. It explores enhancements like a KIT-derived costimulatory domain and PD-1 pathway tweaks to improve durability and tumor killing, while aiming to avoid damage to healthy tissues. The study includes regionally delivered CAR T cells and combination strategies to overcome tumor-induced exhaustion, with past results suggesting extended survival in some patients. If successful, this work could bring more effective CAR T cell therapies to people with solid tumors, including mesothelioma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with solid tumors could experience stronger tumor control and longer survival from improved CAR T cell therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous trials with mesothelin-targeted CAR T cells showed manageable safety and signals of activity in solid tumors.
Where this research is happening
-
Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adusumilli, Prasad S. — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Adusumilli, Prasad S.
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KITv-enhanced CAR T cells for mesothelin-positive solid tumors
This work develops engineered CAR T cells that use a KITv switch to help treat people with mesothelin-expressing solid tumors, including pleural cancers.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.