Creating new imaging tools to track T cell activity in cancer treatment
Official title: Developing clinically relevant PET tracers to image T cell activation for improved cancer immunotherapy monitoring
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11015920 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to see how well CAR T cell therapies are working in cancer patients by using special imaging techniques to track activated T cells, which could help improve treatment options in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $481,668 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA286998-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015920 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing CAR T cell therapy for hematologic malignancies or solid tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving CAR T cell therapy or those with conditions unrelated to T cell activation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced imaging techniques to monitor T cell activation, particularly in the context of CAR T cell therapies for cancer. By utilizing immuno-positron emission tomography (immunoPET), the study aims to create radiotracers that can non-invasively visualize activated T cells in patients. This approach will help researchers understand how these therapies work and why some may fail, ultimately leading to improved cancer treatment strategies. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy by providing real-time insights into T cell behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the monitoring and effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies, leading to better patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using imaging techniques for monitoring T cell responses, but this specific approach with immunoPET is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: James, Michelle Louise — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: James, Michelle Louise
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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.