Improving T cell movement into solid tumors
Official title: Engineered T cells for improved migration into solid tumor sites
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11060864 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help special immune cells called T cells move better into solid tumors, which can be tough to treat, so that patients with hard-to-treat cancers might have more effective treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $218,790 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA280145-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060864 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with solid tumors that are currently difficult to treat with existing immunotherapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with blood cancers or those whose tumors are already effectively treated by current therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the ability of engineered T cells to migrate into solid tumors, which is a significant challenge in cancer treatment. The study aims to address the issue of T cells being excluded from tumor sites due to barriers like collagen-rich extracellular matrix. By developing T cells that can better penetrate these barriers, the research seeks to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapies, particularly in tumors that are currently resistant to treatment. Patients may benefit from this innovative approach if successful, as it could lead to more effective cancer therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with solid tumors, improving their chances of recovery.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in T cell therapies, this specific approach to enhancing T cell migration into solid tumors is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jacobelli, Jordan — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Jacobelli, Jordan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.