Improving T cell therapy for pancreatic cancer
Official title: Controlling Tumor Immune Escape in Pancreatic Cancer using a Dual T Cell Product Strategy
Funded at Marker Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11116994 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to make T cell therapy work better for people with pancreatic cancer by using a special protein to help the immune cells grow and fight the cancer more effectively, while keeping patients safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marker Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 14, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,348,474 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA287653-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11116994 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer who may benefit from innovative T cell therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those who do not have the specific antigens targeted by the MT-601 T cells may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing T cell therapy for pancreatic cancer by addressing the challenges posed by the tumor's immunosuppressive environment. The approach involves creating a special protein called DECOY that helps modify the tumor environment to support T cell growth and function. The study will utilize a dual strategy, combining DECOY-producing T cells with a specific type of T cell known as MT-601, which targets multiple cancer antigens. This combination aims to improve the effectiveness of the therapy while maintaining safety for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with T cell therapies in hematologic cancers, but this approach for solid tumors like pancreatic cancer is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Marker Therapeutics, INC.
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vera, Juan Fernando — Marker Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Vera, Juan Fernando
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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.