How NK cells help the immune system fight cancer
Dissecting the immunomodulatory effects of NK cells on immune responses to cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER · NIH-11174299
Researchers are trying to boost signals from natural killer (NK) cells so people with cancer respond better to immunotherapies like anti‑PD‑1.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11174299 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research looks at how NK cells communicate with other immune cells inside tumors, focusing on a signal called FLT3LG that supports antigen‑presenting dendritic cells. Scientists will use laboratory experiments and animal models to see whether increasing this NK‑cell signal raises the number and activity of helpful dendritic cells in the tumor. The team will link these findings to human tumor data to identify targets that could be combined with existing T cell‑directed immunotherapies. The goal is to find approaches that make more patients benefit from current cancer immunotherapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with solid tumors who are receiving or are eligible for anti‑PD‑1 or other immune‑based cancer therapies would be the most relevant candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not rely on immune responses, those who cannot receive immunotherapy, or those with certain immune‑deficiencies may not benefit from these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new combination treatments that help more cancer patients respond to immunotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical and correlative studies have shown that NK cells and FLT3LG are linked to better patient survival and immunotherapy responses, but translating these findings into effective clinical treatments is still experimental.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BARRY, KEVIN C — FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER
- Study coordinator: BARRY, KEVIN C
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.
Conditions: Cancers