Improving CAR T-cell therapy for blood cancers with better tracking
Interrogating the in vivo pharmacokinetics of armored CARs with radiohapten capture
['FUNDING_R37'] · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · NIH-11113831
This project aims to make CAR T-cell therapy more effective for patients with B-cell blood cancers by developing new ways to track these cells in the body and enhance their ability to fight cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11113831 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
CAR T-cell therapy has shown great promise for B-cell blood cancers, but some patients experience limited responses or their cancer returns. This project is developing "armored" CAR T-cells that are designed to be more powerful and overcome these challenges. We are also creating new methods to non-invasively track these special T-cells inside the body using imaging techniques. This tracking will help doctors understand how the cells are working, where they go, and if they are effectively fighting the cancer. The ultimate goal is to improve treatment success and prevent cancer from coming back.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Future patients with B-cell blood cancers who have not responded well to current CAR T-cell therapies or whose cancer has returned might eventually benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients without B-cell blood cancers or those who respond completely to existing CAR T-cell treatments may not directly benefit from this specific advancement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective and longer-lasting CAR T-cell therapies for patients with B-cell malignancies, especially those who experience relapse.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds on prior preclinical work demonstrating the feasibility of tracking T-cells and the superior efficacy of armored CAR T-cells, while also introducing novel, optimized components for translation.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KREBS, SIMONE — UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- Study coordinator: KREBS, SIMONE
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.
Conditions: Acute Radiation Syndrome