DLL3-targeted IL18-secreting CAR T cells for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Official title: DLL3-targeted IL18-secreting CAR T cells in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11399164 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, patient-facing immunotherapy approach uses specially engineered CAR T cells to target DLL3 in small cell lung cancer with the goal of improving durability of response and survival.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 25, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $730,398 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA303470-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11399164 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with DLL3-expressing small cell lung cancer who have limited treatment options and are eligible for cellular immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not express DLL3 or who cannot undergo CAR T cell therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant supports development of a DLL3-targeted CAR T cell therapy that can secrete IL-18 to boost anti-tumor immune activity in small cell lung cancer. The approach builds on evidence that DLL3 is highly expressed in many SCLC tumors and may be a safe, tumor-specific target. Researchers plan to test the therapy’s safety and potential effectiveness, with a focus on overcoming disease resistance and improving durability of responses. If successful, this work could lay the groundwork for future clinical testing in patients with SCLC who have limited treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with small cell lung cancer could experience longer-lasting responses and improved survival from a targeted, immune-based therapy.
How similar studies have gone: CAR T cell approaches targeting DLL3 have shown encouraging responses in relapsed settings, with ongoing exploration in SCLC.
Where this research is happening
-
Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schoenfeld, Adam J — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Schoenfeld, Adam J
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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.