Detecting dormant cancer cells using engineered T cells
Finding Sleeping Beauty: T Cell Biosensors for Dormant Cancer Detection
This study is working on a new way to help people with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer by creating special T cells that can find hidden cancer cells that might come back later, so doctors can keep a closer eye on them and manage the disease better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10901871 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative T cell biosensors that can identify dormant cancer cells, particularly in patients with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. These dormant cells can remain in the body for years without causing symptoms, but they have the potential to reawaken and lead to metastatic disease. By engineering T cells to act as living sensors, the research aims to create a method that can monitor these dormant cells and their activity, providing a new approach to cancer detection and management. The study utilizes advanced genetic engineering techniques to enhance the T cells' ability to detect cancer markers in the body.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been treated for estrogen receptor positive breast cancer and are currently in complete remission.
Not a fit: Patients with active cancer or those who have not been diagnosed with breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of dormant cancer cells, allowing for timely intervention and potentially improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of engineered T cells in cancer therapy has shown promise, the specific application of T cells as biosensors for dormant cancer detection is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Georgia Institute of Technology — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kwong, Gabriel a — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Kwong, Gabriel a
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.