Developing long-lasting CAR NK cell therapy for blood cancers
Harnessing naturally occurring cell type-specific regulatory elements and normal HSC hematopoiesis to develop cell lineage-controlled CAR expression and continuously renewing CAR NK cells
This project aims to create a new, more durable CAR NK cell therapy for adults with blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144484 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Current CAR T cell therapies have helped many patients with blood cancers, but the cancer often returns because the CAR T cells don't last long enough. This project proposes a new approach where we would genetically modify your own blood stem cells to continuously produce new CAR NK cells. These "CAR-NK factories" would provide a steady supply of cancer-fighting cells, potentially offering a safer and more lasting treatment option. NK cells are chosen because they are less likely to cause severe side effects like cytokine release syndrome, and this method is designed to overcome their typical short persistence.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adult patients with relapsed/refractory hematologic malignancies such as acute B-lymphocytic leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma.
Not a fit: Patients with solid tumors or those who do not have relapsed/refractory hematologic malignancies may not receive direct benefit from this specific therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a more effective and longer-lasting cell therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory blood cancers, reducing the chance of cancer returning.
How similar studies have performed: While CAR T cell therapies have shown success, this novel approach of using genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells to continuously generate CAR NK cells is largely untested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Eric L — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Smith, Eric L
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.