How radiation changes the tumor and nearby immune environment
Washington University (WU) ROBIN Center: MicroEnvironment and Tumor Effects Of Radiotherapy (METEOR)
This center looks at how standard chemoradiation changes tumors and the immune cells around them in people with advanced cancers to find ways to improve long-term anti-tumor immunity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168906 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The METEOR Center runs a molecular characterization trial that follows patients receiving standard chemoradiation and collects tumor biopsies and blood over time. Researchers will use genomics, proteomics, tumor metabolism, and immune profiling to map how treatment changes the tumor microenvironment. Integrated research projects and shared resource cores will test how radiation shifts immune cells toward either tumor-killing or tumor-permissive phenotypes. The goal is to identify molecular and cellular changes that explain why some tumors fail to develop lasting immune responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with advanced solid tumors who are receiving standard chemoradiation and are willing to provide tumor biopsies and blood samples at specified time points.
Not a fit: Patients who are not getting radiation, have tumor types excluded by the trial, or cannot safely undergo biopsies are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to combine radiation with immune-targeted treatments to produce stronger and more durable anti-cancer responses.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown radiation can boost immune signals in tumors, but reliably converting that into long-lasting anti-tumor immunity in resistant cancers is still an emerging and not-yet-solved area.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwarz, Julie Kristina — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Schwarz, Julie Kristina
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.