Improving CAR-T therapy for solid tumors by boosting stem-like CAR-T cells in lymph nodes
Official title: Improving CAR-T efficacy against solid tumors by expanding lymph node reservoirs of “stem-like” CAR-T cells
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11364934 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A cancer research grant aims to make CAR-T cell therapy work better for solid tumors by increasing a special stem-like group of CAR-T cells in the body's lymph nodes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $555,917 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA276285-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11364934 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with breast cancer or other solid tumors who might be able to receive or benefit from enhanced CAR-T therapies in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not rely on the mechanisms targeted by stem-like CAR-T cells may see little to no benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on early CAR-T experiences in blood cancers and addresses why solid tumors like breast cancer are tougher to treat. It studies how CAR-T cells can maintain their stem-like, self-renewing qualities by residing in tumor-draining lymph nodes. Researchers will test strategies to expand these reservoir cells and keep them from becoming exhausted, with the goal of stronger and longer-lasting responses against tumors. The work combines preclinical models and early clinical insights to guide future treatments for patients with breast cancer and other solid tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more durable responses to CAR-T therapy in breast cancer and potentially other solid tumors, improving survival and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary research shows stem-like CAR-T cells in lymph nodes can influence responses, but translating this to solid tumors is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Srivastava, Shivani — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Srivastava, Shivani
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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.