Helping immune T cells enter common colorectal tumors
Project 1: Overcoming Immune Exclusion in Microsatellite Stable Colorectal Cancer
This project is trying a drug that blocks DDR1 together with pembrolizumab to help immune T cells enter and attack common (MSS) colorectal cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11196627 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on microsatellite-stable (MSS) colorectal cancer, the form found in about 85% of patients, which often lacks tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. Researchers found a four-gene signature linked to immune exclusion and elevated DDR1 and TGFBi in tiny plasma particles called supermeres. They are testing a neutralizing antibody to DDR1 (PRTH-101) together with the immune checkpoint drug pembrolizumab, and will collect tumor biopsies and blood samples to see whether CD8+ T cells enter tumors and whether tumors shrink. The team will monitor clinical responses, immune markers, and patient outcomes to determine if the combination improves benefit from immunotherapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer who meet trial eligibility, can travel to a participating site, and can undergo biopsies and immunotherapy infusions are the best candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with microsatellite-unstable (MSI-H) colorectal cancer or those who cannot receive immunotherapy or biopsies are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could let immunotherapy work for many more people with common MSS colorectal cancer by enabling T cells to reach and kill tumor cells.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies and work in other cancers (including DDR1 blockade in breast cancer models) and the known benefit of pembrolizumab in MSI-H CRC support the idea, but combining DDR1 blockade with pembrolizumab in MSS CRC is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coffey, Robert J. — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Coffey, Robert 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.