How high glucose levels affect T cell therapies for cancer

Functional consequences of high glucose culture on adoptive T cell therapies for cancer

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11069146

This study is looking at how high sugar levels in the body might affect special immune cells called T cells that are used in cancer treatments, with the goal of making these treatments work better for patients with solid tumors.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11069146 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of high glucose levels on T cells used in cancer treatments, specifically focusing on adoptive cell therapy (ACT). ACT involves taking T cells from a patient, modifying them to better fight cancer, and then reintroducing them into the patient. The study examines how the high glucose environment during the T cell expansion process affects their ability to respond to cancer cells. By understanding these effects, the research aims to improve the effectiveness of T cell therapies for solid tumors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing or considering adoptive T cell therapy for solid tumors.

Not a fit: Patients with hematological malignancies may not benefit directly from this research as it focuses on solid tumors.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of T cell therapies, leading to better outcomes for cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that optimizing the culture conditions for T cells can improve their functionality, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: anti-cancer therapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.