How aging affects immune response in cancer patients
Official title: The effect of aging on cDC1 function and CD8 T cell immunity in tumors
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11031755 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how getting older affects certain immune cells that help fight cancer, with the goal of finding better ways to boost the immune response in older patients receiving cancer treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $176,040 |
| NIH project number | 1K99CA296769-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031755 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with cancer, particularly those undergoing immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have cancer may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging impacts the function of specific immune cells, particularly conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1s), and their role in CD8 T cell immunity within tumors. By studying tumor-bearing mice of various ages, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the decline in immune function associated with aging, which may hinder the effectiveness of immunotherapy in older cancer patients. The findings could lead to improved strategies for enhancing immune responses in elderly patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better immunotherapy outcomes for older cancer patients by addressing age-related immune deficiencies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune function in aging populations can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Chang-Yu Alex — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Chen, Chang-Yu Alex
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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.