Armored CAR Macrophage Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer

Develop Conditionally Armored CAR Macrophage Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer

['FUNDING_R01'] · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11142520

This research explores a new type of immune cell treatment called CAR macrophages, designed to specifically target and fight pancreatic cancer, especially in patients with a common genetic change called KRAS*.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorRUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11142520 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Pancreatic cancer is very challenging to treat, and many patients have a specific genetic change called KRAS* that helps the cancer grow. While new medicines can target KRAS*, cancer often becomes resistant, so doctors are looking for better combinations. This project aims to create special immune cells called CAR macrophages that are 'armored' to be safer and more effective, specifically targeting pancreatic cancer cells and working together with KRAS* inhibitors. The goal is to develop a powerful new approach to shrink tumors, stop them from spreading, and prevent them from coming back.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This preclinical work focuses on pancreatic cancer with KRAS* mutations, which could eventually benefit patients with this specific type of cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with pancreatic cancer without the KRAS* mutation or those with other cancer types may not directly benefit from this specific approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this new CAR macrophage treatment could offer a more effective and durable way to fight pancreatic cancer, especially for patients whose tumors have the KRAS* mutation.

How similar studies have performed: This project aims to generate the first conditionally armored CAR macrophage therapy for pancreatic cancer, representing a novel and untested approach in this specific context.

Where this research is happening

Newark, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.