Adoptive T-cell Therapy for Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11420948 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-focused program explores using patient immune cells engineered to target and fight anaplastic thyroid cancer, especially for those whose cancer has stopped responding to standard treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $497,788 |
| NIH project number | 1P01CA314921-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11420948 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with advanced anaplastic thyroid cancer who have limited remaining treatment options may be considered for future eligibility.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not express the identified targets or who cannot proceed with T cell therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This program aims to identify specific targets on ATC cells and create T cells that recognize those targets to attack the cancer. Researchers will map immune-related markers, generate TCR-equipped T cells, and study how these cells interact with tumor antigens using existing tissue and data. The study builds on prior FDA-approved therapies and seeks durable responses beyond current treatments. If you have ATC, you may learn about new cellular therapies that could become part of future treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new T cell therapies that help control or shrink ATC tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Similar T cell and TCR-based approaches have shown promise in other cancers, but ATC-specific targets are still under study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yee, Cassian — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Yee, Cassian
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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.