Improving CAR T cell therapies for pediatric brain tumors
Official title: Targeting tumor and T cell DNA methylomes to improve CAR T cell therapies for diffuse midline glioma
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-10923857 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to make CAR T cell therapies work better for kids with tough brain tumors, like diffuse midline glioma, by changing certain patterns in their DNA to help the immune system fight the cancer more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $746,809 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA281823-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923857 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma or other pediatric brain tumors who have not responded to standard therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with brain tumors that are not diffuse midline gliomas or those who have already exhausted all treatment options may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance CAR T cell therapies specifically for pediatric brain tumors, which often resist current treatments. The approach focuses on understanding and modifying the DNA methylation patterns in both the tumor cells and the CAR T cells to improve their effectiveness. By targeting these epigenetic changes, the research aims to boost the immune response against tumors like diffuse midline glioma, which is particularly challenging to treat. The study will utilize advanced techniques to analyze how these modifications can lead to better patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective CAR T cell therapies for children with aggressive brain tumors, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in enhancing CAR T cell therapies through epigenetic modifications, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mack, Stephen C — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Mack, Stephen C
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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.