Improving CAR T-cell treatment for a type of childhood brain tumor
Developing Safe and Effective GD2-CAR T Cell Therapy for Diffuse Midline Gliomas
This research explores a new way to use special immune cells, called CAR T-cells, to fight aggressive brain tumors in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139409 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Childhood brain tumors like diffuse midline gliomas are very aggressive and currently have no cure. We are looking for new ways to fight these tumors, and one promising approach uses a patient's own immune cells, called CAR T-cells. These special cells are trained to recognize and attack cancer cells. Our previous work found that these brain tumors have a unique marker called GD2, which CAR T-cells can target. This project aims to make this GD2-CAR T-cell treatment safe and effective for children and young adults with these challenging brain tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is focused on children and young adults who have aggressive brain tumors called diffuse midline gliomas, especially those with a specific genetic change (H3K27M mutation).
Not a fit: Patients with other types of brain tumors or cancers that do not have the GD2 marker or H3K27M mutation may not benefit from this specific treatment approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new treatment could offer a life-saving option for children with aggressive brain tumors that currently have no cure.
How similar studies have performed: CAR T-cell treatments have shown impressive success in other cancers, like B-cell malignancies, and early results suggest they could also help with brain and nervous system cancers.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mackall, Crystal — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Mackall, Crystal
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.