NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Antibody-based cancer immunotherapies and how they work

Official title: Molecular mechanisms of antibody-mediated immunotherapies

Funded at Rockefeller University · NIH-11401814 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A researcher at Rockefeller University is studying how cancer-fighting antibodies trigger immune responses and how to make them work even better in people with advanced cancers.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRockefeller University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2016
Project endAugust 31, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$1,017,000
NIH project number5R35CA196620-12
Project IDNIH-11401814 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Patients with advanced cancer who are eligible for antibody-based immunotherapies and participate in related clinical trials.

Less likely to help

Some patients may not respond to these specific antibody strategies or may experience side effects.

What this research studies

This project looks at how antibodies that target tumors interact with the immune system to fight cancer, and how to optimize these interactions to improve patient outcomes. It aims to understand how Fc-FcγR pathways contribute to tumor elimination and to test strategies that boost memory immune responses to prevent recurrences. The work includes exploring how to vaccinate tumors with monoclonal antibodies, how certain antibody therapies can enhance immune activation, and how the tumor environment can be tweaked to support stronger anti-tumor immunity. Some therapies developed through this program are already in clinical trials with early signs of activity. The goal is to translate mechanistic insights into therapies that provide durable, long-term control of cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective antibody therapies that produce lasting immune memory and longer survival for patients with advanced cancers.

How similar studies have gone: Earlier work shows that Fc-engineered antibodies can improve clinical activity and survival in cancer patients.

Where this research is happening

  • Rockefeller University
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ravetch, Jeffrey Victor — Rockefeller University
  • Study coordinator: Ravetch, Jeffrey Victor

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.