A new treatment using engineered IL-21 to target tumors in kidney cancer
Official title: A novel engineered IL-21-based immunocytokine as a therapeutic approach for tumor targeting in renal cancer
Funded at Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr · NIH-10947782 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment that uses a special version of a protein called IL-21 to help boost the immune system's fight against clear cell kidney cancer, aiming to make it safer and more effective for patients dealing with this tough form of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 4, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $483,395 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA286231-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947782 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced clear cell renal cell cancer who have not responded well to existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage kidney cancer or those whose cancer has not progressed may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel immunocytokine based on IL-21 to improve treatment outcomes for patients with clear cell renal cell cancer (ccRCC), a particularly aggressive form of kidney cancer. The approach aims to enhance the immune response against tumors while minimizing the severe side effects associated with traditional systemic IL-21 treatments. By optimizing the delivery and efficacy of this cytokine, the research seeks to provide a safer and more effective therapeutic option for patients suffering from advanced kidney cancer. The study will involve evaluating the immunotherapeutic potential of this engineered treatment in clinical trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective and safer treatment option for patients with advanced kidney cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with cytokine-based therapies in treating various cancers, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Makhov, Petr B. — Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Makhov, Petr B.
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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.