FLASH-CAR-T radioimmunotherapy for pediatric brain tumors
Official title: FLASH-CAR-T radioimmunotherapy in pediatric brain tumor
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11342264 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A pediatric brain tumor research grant is exploring a new therapy that combines CAR-T cells with FLASH radiotherapy to help kids fight brain tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $618,063 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA311313-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11342264 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children with malignant pediatric brain tumors (e.g., medulloblastoma or glioma) who might benefit from immunotherapy-based approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Children with brain tumors that do not respond to immunotherapy or cannot tolerate CAR-T treatment may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to use a fast, ultra-precise radiation method (FLASH) together with CAR-T cell therapy to boost anti-tumor immune activity in children with brain tumors like medulloblastoma and glioma. The team will study how FLASH radiation influences tumor-associated macrophages and T cell infiltration in a mouse model, with a focus on making the therapy more effective and less inflammatory. By examining single-cell gene expression and T cell trafficking, they hope to identify strategies that enhance CAR-T cell access and activity within brain tumors. The work builds on preliminary findings showing that FLASH radiation may steer the immune environment toward a stronger anti-tumor response. If successful, this approach could lay the groundwork for future clinical testing in pediatric patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve CAR-T cell delivery and effectiveness against pediatric brain tumors, potentially leading to better tumor control and survival.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies suggest that combining radiotherapy with immunotherapies can enhance anti-tumor immunity, but the FLASH approach with CAR-T in pediatric brain tumors is still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fan, Yi — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Fan, Yi
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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.