How cancer cells avoid the immune system after treatment
Mechanisms of Macrophage-Mediated Immune Evasion in Residual Tumors
This study is looking at how some leftover cancer cells can hide from the immune system after treatment, using a special mouse model of melanoma, and it hopes to find new ways to help the immune system recognize and attack these sneaky cells to improve cancer treatment for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11080753 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how residual tumor cells, which survive cancer treatments, manage to evade the immune system. By studying a specific mouse model of melanoma, the researchers have identified that these cells use a mechanism involving the upregulation of a protein called CD47 to avoid being targeted by immune cells like macrophages. The study aims to understand these immune evasion strategies better and explore potential therapies that could block this process, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients with certain types of cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with BRAF, ALK, or KRAS mutant cancers who have residual tumor cells after initial treatment.
Not a fit: Patients without these specific mutations or those who do not have residual tumor cells may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance the effectiveness of existing cancer treatments by preventing tumor cells from escaping immune detection.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting immune evasion mechanisms in cancer, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raj, Jude — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Raj, Jude
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.