Improving CART cell therapy by targeting specific immune responses

Towards Safer and More Effective CART Cell Therapy Through the Modulation of Myeloid Cytokines

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11001453

This study is looking at how to make CART cell therapy safer and more effective for people with B-cell cancers like acute lymphoblastic leukemia by reducing side effects caused by a substance called GM-CSF, so patients can have a better experience and response to their treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11001453 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the safety and effectiveness of CART cell therapy, particularly for patients with B-cell malignancies like acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It investigates the role of myeloid cytokines, specifically GM-CSF, in causing side effects such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. By inhibiting GM-CSF, the research aims to reduce these toxicities and improve the overall response to therapy. The approach includes preclinical models and plans for a Phase 1/2 clinical trial to evaluate the effects of GM-CSF neutralization in patients receiving CART cell therapy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with B-cell malignancies, particularly those undergoing CART cell therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with non-B-cell malignancies or those not receiving CART cell therapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective CART cell therapies, improving outcomes for patients with certain types of blood cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in targeting cytokines to mitigate therapy-related toxicities, suggesting a potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions anti-cancer therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.