Chimeric Antigen Receptor Phagocytes for Glioblastoma

Development of Chimeric Antigen Receptor Phagocytes Against Glioblastoma

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11122322

This research aims to create specialized immune cells called phagocytes that can find and destroy aggressive brain tumors like glioblastoma.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11122322 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

We are working to engineer immune cells, specifically phagocytes, with special receptors called Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs). These CARs will help the phagocytes recognize and target brain tumor cells more effectively. Unlike some other cell therapies, phagocytes are naturally good at moving into solid tumors and presenting tumor pieces to other immune cells. Our goal is to harness these natural abilities to develop a new way to fight glioblastoma and similar aggressive brain cancers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is focused on developing therapies for patients diagnosed with aggressive brain tumors, such as glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous brain conditions or other types of cancer not targeted by this specific approach may not directly benefit from this particular research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new and more effective treatment option for patients with aggressive brain tumors, who currently face very limited prognoses.

How similar studies have performed: While CAR-T cell therapies have shown promise in other cancers, this approach of using CAR-engineered phagocytes to overcome the challenges of solid brain tumors is a novel strategy.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.