How T cells control their metabolism during radiotherapy

T cell-intrinsic metabolic control of radiotherapy

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · NIH-11018580

This study is looking at how a type of immune cell called T cells changes its energy use when treated with radiotherapy, with the goal of finding better ways to help cancer patients, especially those whose tumors don't respond well to standard treatments.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11018580 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how T cells, a type of immune cell, manage their metabolism when exposed to radiotherapy. It aims to understand the mechanisms that enhance the effectiveness of radiotherapy in fighting tumors, particularly in cases where tumors resist traditional immune checkpoint therapies. By studying the interaction between radiotherapy and T cell metabolism, the research seeks to identify new strategies to improve cancer treatment outcomes. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective therapies that harness the immune system's power against cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing radiotherapy for cancer who may benefit from enhanced immune responses.

Not a fit: Patients with tumors that do not respond to radiotherapy or have other underlying conditions that preclude effective immune responses may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer treatments that enhance the effectiveness of radiotherapy by optimizing T cell responses.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in enhancing cancer treatment by combining radiotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors, indicating that this approach has potential.

Where this research is happening

BIRMINGHAM, 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 →

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.