Advancing CD70-targeted CAR-NK Therapy for AML
Official title: Advancing TGFβ-Resistant CAR-NK Cell Therapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11425793 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-focused look at a new cell therapy that uses engineered NK cells to target AML by hitting CD70, aiming to reduce relapse with potentially fewer blood cell problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| 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 | August 10, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $387,156 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA315771-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11425793 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
adults with relapsed or refractory AML who express CD70 and meet trial safety criteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose disease does not respond to CAR-NK therapy or who experience intolerable toxicity may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project plans a clinical trial using cord blood–derived CAR-NK cells engineered to attack AML cells expressing CD70, with built-in safety features and IL-15 support to boost effectiveness. The therapy builds on prior NK cell trials in blood cancers and adapts their approach to AML to address antigen escape and tumor heterogeneity. Participants would receive the therapy and be monitored for safety, disease response, and cellular persistence, with attention to potential cytopenias and immune-related effects. The study also explores how modifying TGF-β signaling may improve NK cell function against AML.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with relapsed/refractory AML could experience better disease control with a treatment that minimizes damage to normal blood cells.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier cord blood CAR-NK trials showed safety and some efficacy in B-cell cancers, and the team has prior successful NK cell data guiding this AML approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Daher, May — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Daher, May
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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.