Finding ways to predict and overcome resistance to cancer immunotherapy
Official title: Strategies to predict and overcome resistance to cancer immunotherapy
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11042849 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to better predict which cancer patients will benefit from a specific type of treatment called PD-1 blockade immunotherapy, by understanding how certain immune cells work and finding ways to make them more effective against cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $492,743 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279268-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042849 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who are currently undergoing or considering PD-1 blockade therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving immunotherapy or those with early-stage cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to better predict which cancer patients will respond to immunotherapy, specifically focusing on PD-1 blockade treatments. It aims to understand the mechanisms behind T cell activation and how to enhance their effectiveness against cancer. By studying the behavior of progenitor T cells, the research seeks to identify strategies that can help overcome resistance to these therapies, ultimately improving patient outcomes. The approach combines preclinical studies with translational applications to address significant challenges in cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy treatments for cancer patients, improving their chances of sustained remission.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding T cell dynamics in cancer, but this specific approach to overcoming immunotherapy resistance is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reiner, Steven L — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Reiner, Steven L
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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.