Improving cancer immunotherapy by reducing side effects
Preserving CTLA-4 immune checkpoint for safer and more effective cancer immunotherapy
This study is looking at how to make cancer treatments safer and more effective by understanding how certain immune system blockers work together, especially to reduce harmful side effects for patients receiving combined therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10892835 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how to make cancer immunotherapy safer and more effective by focusing on the immune checkpoint CTLA-4. It aims to understand the severe autoimmune side effects that can occur when combining two powerful treatments, anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies. By using a novel preclinical model, the researchers will explore how different antibodies interact with CTLA-4 and their effects on patients. The goal is to identify ways to minimize adverse effects while maintaining the treatment's effectiveness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing treatment for melanoma or other cancers who are considering immunotherapy options.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing cancer treatment or those with conditions unrelated to the immune system may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer cancer immunotherapy options with fewer severe side effects for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding immune checkpoint interactions can lead to significant improvements in cancer treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Su, Lishan — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Su, Lishan
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.