Creating specialized immune cells to fight brain tumors in children
Official title: Development of Chimeric Antigen Receptor Phagocytes Against Glioblastoma
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10937869 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to help kids with tough brain tumors by using special immune cells that can be trained to find and fight the cancer more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $447,831 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA291887-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10937869 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with high-grade gliomas, including glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with low-grade brain tumors or those who are not eligible for experimental therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment for pediatric high-grade gliomas, including glioblastoma, by engineering immune cells called macrophages to better target and destroy tumor cells. The approach involves creating chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that enhance the ability of these macrophages to recognize and attack brain tumors. By utilizing the natural ability of macrophages to infiltrate solid tumors, the study aims to improve the effectiveness of cancer therapies for young patients with very limited treatment options. The research will involve laboratory experiments to design and test these engineered cells against specific brain tumor antigens.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for children with aggressive brain tumors, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using CAR therapies for various cancers, but this specific approach targeting brain tumors with macrophages is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mitra, Siddhartha S. — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Mitra, Siddhartha S.
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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.