Improving CAR T cell therapy for pediatric leukemia using small molecule inhibitors
Official title: Leveraging small molecule inhibitors to improve CD19 CAR T cell immunotherapy for KMT2A-rearranged ALL
Funded at Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp · NIH-11200894 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to make CAR T cell therapy work better for kids with a specific type of leukemia by using special medicines, and it's all about helping young patients get better treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $172,190 |
| NIH project number | 7K08CA286765-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11200894 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with KMT2A-rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those who do not have KMT2A rearrangements may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of CAR T cell immunotherapy for children with KMT2A-rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) by using small molecule inhibitors. The project aims to develop targeted therapies that can improve treatment outcomes for this high-risk group. Led by Dr. Lisa Niswander, a pediatric oncologist, the research will involve advanced techniques in T cell biology and clinical trial design, supported by experienced mentors and a collaborative environment at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The goal is to translate these findings into clinical applications that can benefit young patients suffering from leukemia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for children with a particularly aggressive form of leukemia, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing CAR T cell therapies with targeted approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
Buffalo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Niswander, Lisa Madalen — Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
- Study coordinator: Niswander, Lisa Madalen
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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.