CAR-T Cell Therapy for Brain Tumors
Targeting Glioblastoma Cells and Tumor Microenvironment with CAR-T Cell Therapy
This project explores a new type of immune cell therapy called CAR-T cells to fight aggressive brain tumors in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11164770 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Glioblastoma is a very aggressive brain cancer that is difficult to treat, and current therapies often have limited success. This research focuses on using your body's own immune cells, called T cells, and engineering them to specifically recognize and attack glioblastoma tumor cells. The scientists are also working to overcome the tumor's ability to suppress the immune system by adding special immune-boosting signals to these engineered T cells. This advanced approach aims to make the CAR-T cells more powerful and effective in destroying brain cancer cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults diagnosed with glioblastoma, particularly those whose tumors express specific markers like IL-13Rα2.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of brain tumors or those whose glioblastoma does not express the targeted antigen may not receive benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could offer a new, more effective treatment option for adults with glioblastoma, potentially improving their prognosis and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous clinical trials have shown that CAR-T cell therapy targeting a similar marker is safe, and this project builds on that by adding immune-boosting elements for enhanced effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Yvonne Yu-Hsuan — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Chen, Yvonne Yu-Hsuan
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.