Developing a new cell therapy for glioblastoma using engineered immune cells
Engineering mRNA encapsulated extracellular vesicles for in vivo chimeric antigen receptor macrophage therapy for glioblastoma
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · NIH-11132841
This work explores a new way to fight glioblastoma, a serious brain cancer, by training a patient's own immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11132841 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Glioblastoma is a very aggressive brain cancer that is hard to treat, especially with current immune therapies. This project aims to create a new type of cell therapy called CAR macrophages, which are immune cells from your own body that are reprogrammed to recognize and attack cancer. Instead of using a virus to reprogram these cells outside the body, this approach uses tiny natural packages called extracellular vesicles to deliver the reprogramming instructions directly to the immune cells inside the body. The goal is to make these immune cells more effective at reaching and destroying glioblastoma tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is focused on developing a therapy for adults diagnosed with glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those without glioblastoma would not directly benefit from this specific therapy development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a more effective and less complex cell therapy option for patients with glioblastoma, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: CAR T-cell therapies, which are similar but use a different type of immune cell, have shown remarkable success in blood cancers, but this specific CAR macrophage approach for glioblastoma is novel and still in early development.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JIANG, WEN — UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- Study coordinator: JIANG, WEN
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.