Dual-target CAR T therapy with PET tracking for solid tumors
Dual-targeted DOTA CAR T cells with image-guided monitoring for solid tumor treatment
A controllable CAR T-cell treatment that doctors can track with PET scans and direct at solid tumors in adults whose cancers express folate receptors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11189714 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have your own T cells collected and genetically modified with a universal CAR (UniCAR) that can be directed by short, tagged targeting agents. The team will give two different DOTA-tagged targeting agents so the same engineered T cells can be aimed at two tumor targets and also seen with PET imaging. Clinicians can use the tagged agents to turn CAR T activity up or down while watching where the cells go in real time. The approach is designed to improve safety, limit off-target effects, and overcome the suppressive tumor environment that often blocks CAR T effectiveness in solid tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with solid tumors that express folate receptor–related antigens who are eligible for autologous T-cell collection and infusion, often after other treatments have failed.
Not a fit: People whose tumors do not express the targeted folate receptors, those with primarily blood cancers, or patients unable to undergo cell collection or infusion are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This could make CAR T therapy for solid tumors safer and more controllable while letting doctors see where the cells go during treatment.
How similar studies have performed: CAR T has shown strong, lasting success in some blood cancers, but applying controllable, image-guided CAR T to solid tumors is largely new and mostly at preclinical or early clinical stages.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Powell, Daniel J. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Powell, Daniel J.
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.