Improving CAR T-cell therapy for B-cell lymphoid cancers

From the Past to the Future: Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells for Lymphoid Malignancies

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11192825

This program will try to make CAR T-cell treatments work better and last longer for people with B-cell lymphoid cancers and to prevent the cancer from escaping the therapy.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11192825 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

As a patient, I would know the team is studying why some people's CAR T cells grow and persist after infusion while others' do not by analyzing cells and tumors from responding and non-responding patients. They will use advanced lab tests, gene editing, and specialized cell-manufacturing to identify biological roadblocks to lasting responses. The researchers will develop and test strategies in the lab and through clinical collaborations to boost CAR T-cell activity and stop relapse. Their work builds on prior patient samples and core lab partnerships to move promising findings toward better treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with B-cell lymphoid malignancies (for example B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia or other B-cell leukemias and lymphomas), especially those with relapsed or refractory disease or who are being considered for CAR T therapy.

Not a fit: This program is unlikely to directly help people with cancers that are not B-cell lymphoid malignancies or those who are not candidates for cell therapy due to medical reasons.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could increase the number of patients who achieve long-lasting remissions or cures with CAR T-cell therapy.

How similar studies have performed: CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapies have already produced dramatic remissions in many B-cell leukemias, but improving cell persistence and preventing antigen-negative relapse remains an active area of research.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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.
Conditions Autoimmune Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.