NIH-funded research R21 grant

Identifying T cell receptor sequences that predict cancer outcomes

Official title: Special Public T Cell Receptor Sequences that Predict Outcomes for Cancer Patients

Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10757454 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at certain T cell receptors in the blood of cancer patients to see if they can help predict how well patients will respond to treatments and how long they might live, especially for those with lung cancer and melanoma.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project startJanuary 1, 2023
Project endDecember 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$177,650
NIH project number5R21CA277285-02
Project IDNIH-10757454 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include adult cancer patients, particularly those with lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, or melanoma who are receiving immunotherapy.

Less likely to help

Patients with cancers not included in the study or those not undergoing immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates specific T cell receptor sequences, known as special public TCRs, that may indicate better outcomes for cancer patients. By analyzing blood samples from patients with various cancers, including lung cancer and melanoma, the study aims to determine how these TCRs correlate with patient survival and response to immunotherapy treatments. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques like single-cell sequencing to explore the characteristics of these TCRs and their potential role in enhancing cancer treatment effectiveness.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for predicting which cancer patients will benefit most from immunotherapy.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches in identifying T cell receptor sequences linked to patient outcomes in cancer treatment.

Where this research is happening

  • Northwestern University at Chicago
    Chicago, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Pollack, Seth M — Northwestern University at Chicago
  • Study coordinator: Pollack, Seth M

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.