NIH-funded research R01 grant

Improving CAR T cell therapy for solid tumors

Official title: Tuning KITv CAR T cells for the solid tumor environment

Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-10943749 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new type of CAR T cell therapy designed to help patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma by targeting a specific protein found in many tumors, with the hope of making the treatment more effective and safer for those who have already had other treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startAugust 13, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2029
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$655,042
NIH project number1R01CA292664-01
Project IDNIH-10943749 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma or other solid tumors that express mesothelin.

Less likely to help

Patients with solid tumors that do not express mesothelin or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing CAR T cell therapy by developing a new type of CAR T cell that targets a specific cancer-associated antigen called mesothelin, which is found in many solid tumors. The approach involves administering these modified T cells directly into the pleural space of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, aiming to improve their ability to infiltrate tumors and resist suppression by the tumor environment. The study also explores the use of a novel receptor to enhance the effectiveness of the therapy while minimizing side effects. Patients who have previously received treatment will be monitored for safety and effectiveness, with the goal of improving survival rates.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with solid tumors, potentially improving survival rates and reducing side effects.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar CAR T cell therapies targeting solid tumors, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Adusumilli, Prasad S. — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
  • Study coordinator: Adusumilli, Prasad S.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Dual-targeted DOTA CAR T cells with image-guided monitoring for solid tumors

    A Penn team is developing a controllable CAR T cell therapy for solid tumors that can be tracked with PET imaging and guided by targeted agents to improve safety and effectiveness.

    NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11457469

  • Improving patient access to gynecologic cancer trials at UVA

    This grant helps UVA boost enrollment in gynecologic and solid tumor trials so more women with gynecologic cancers can access cutting-edge therapies.

    NIH research University of Virginia · Charlottesville, United States · NIH-11395537

  • Tuning CAR T cells to work better in solid tumors

    A cancer-immunotherapy approach uses specially trained CAR T cells designed to attack solid tumors more effectively and safely.

    NIH research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · New York, United States · NIH-11384863

  • A 3D lab tool to see how solid tumors squeeze and spread

    This project builds a tiny 3D device that measures how solid tumors push, deform, and let cancer cells break away, which could help people with cancers that form solid tumors.

    NIH research Cornell University · Ithaca, United States · NIH-11286769

  • Dual-target CAR T therapy with PET tracking for solid tumors

    A controllable CAR T-cell treatment that doctors can track with PET scans and direct at solid tumors in adults whose cancers express folate receptors.

    NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11189714

  • Atlas of the tumor environment in childhood cancers

    This project will map the cells and signals surrounding childhood solid tumors like neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and Wilms tumor to find weaknesses that could help children with high-risk disease.

    NIH research Children's Hospital of Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11180224

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.