Exploring ways to improve cancer treatment using CAR T cells and programmed cell death pathways
Understanding and manipulating programmed cell death (PCD) pathways to facilitate lymphoid tumor killing by CAR T cells
This study is looking at ways to make a special type of immune cell therapy, called CAR T cells, even better at fighting blood cancers by figuring out how to help them overcome tumors that resist treatment, so patients can have a better chance of recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11005000 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how CAR T cells, a type of immunotherapy, can be enhanced to effectively kill lymphoid tumors by understanding and manipulating programmed cell death (PCD) pathways. The researchers aim to identify why some tumors resist CAR T cell treatment and how enhancing PCD in these tumor cells can improve treatment outcomes. They will explore genetic engineering techniques to make CAR T cells more resilient to drugs that promote PCD, potentially leading to better responses in patients with blood cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with lymphoid malignancies, such as certain types of leukemia or lymphoma, who are considering or currently undergoing CAR T cell therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with solid tumors or those who do not have lymphoid malignancies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective CAR T cell therapies for patients with lymphoid tumors, improving survival rates and treatment responses.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in enhancing CAR T cell efficacy through various mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maus, Marcela Valderrama — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Maus, Marcela Valderrama
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.