Improving T cell therapy for pancreatic cancer

Controlling Tumor Immune Escape in Pancreatic Cancer using a Dual T Cell Product Strategy

NIH-funded research Marker Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11116994

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 typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMarker Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11116994 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer who may benefit from innovative T cell therapies.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

Houston, 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 blood cancer
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.