Finding new cancer markers for T-cell immunotherapy

Identification and assessment of unconventional tumor-associated antigens as potential targets for cytotoxic T-cell based immunotherapy of cancer

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · NIH-11122351

This work looks for new ways to identify unique markers on cancer cells that our immune system's T-cells can recognize and attack, especially for melanoma.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11122351 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Immunotherapy using T-cells has shown great promise in treating various cancers by training these cells to find and destroy tumor cells. T-cells identify cancer cells by recognizing specific markers, called antigens, on their surface. Currently, we can only find a few of these important markers using standard methods. This project aims to discover 'unconventional' markers that come from unexpected parts of cancer cells, which could significantly expand the number of targets for T-cell therapies. By finding these new targets, we hope to create more effective personalized vaccines and T-cell treatments for patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for patients with melanoma and other cancers that could benefit from T-cell based immunotherapies.

Not a fit: Patients whose cancer does not present these specific types of unconventional antigens or who are not candidates for T-cell immunotherapy may not directly benefit from this particular research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new and more effective personalized immunotherapies for cancer patients, particularly those with melanoma.

How similar studies have performed: T-cell based immunotherapies have already shown significant success in treating several cancer types, but this approach focuses on identifying novel, unconventional targets.

Where this research is happening

HOUSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.