Boosting HER2 CAR T cells by blocking PD-1/PD-L1 for sarcoma
Modulating the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint to promote antitumor activity of HER2 CAR T cells in patients with sarcoma
People with HER2-positive sarcoma receive HER2-targeted CAR T cells together with PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint disruption to help the CAR T cells work better against tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285436 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you would receive HER2-directed CAR T cell therapy combined with a strategy to disrupt the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint. Treatment may include preparative lymphodepletion and scheduled infusions of the modified immune cells plus the checkpoint intervention. Researchers will monitor tumor response, CAR T cell expansion and persistence in your blood, and immune changes inside the tumor over time. The goal is to reduce immune suppression and prevent tumor escape so the therapy lasts longer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with HER2-expressing sarcoma who meet health and eligibility criteria for CAR T therapy (including age ranges specified by the trial) are the likely candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not express HER2 or who are medically unable to tolerate CAR T therapy or checkpoint interventions are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This approach could make CAR T cell therapy more effective against sarcoma and lower the chance of relapse if it succeeds.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier phase I work with HER2 CAR T cells showed safety and some durable complete responses, and combining CAR T with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade has shown promise in early/preclinical work but remains a newer strategy for solid tumors.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hegde, Meenakshi G — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Hegde, Meenakshi G
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 below.