Improving T cell therapy to better fight cancer

Epigenetic Programming of T Cells for Enhanced Cellular Immunotherapy

['FUNDING_R01'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11084456

This study is exploring new ways to make cancer-fighting T cells work better by tweaking their genes, so they can stay strong and effective longer, helping patients get more personalized and powerful treatments.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11084456 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) for cancer treatment by addressing the challenges of T cell exhaustion and the loss of stem cell memory T cells. The team aims to use epigenetic programming to modify T cells, improving their ability to attack cancer cells. By identifying and manipulating specific genes and epigenetic profiles, the research seeks to develop next-generation ACT that can provide more personalized and effective cancer therapies for patients. The approach involves a multidisciplinary team working on advanced technologies to optimize T cell function.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who are considering or currently undergoing adoptive T cell therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those who do not qualify for T cell therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments that harness the immune system to better target and eliminate cancer cells.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing T cell therapies through various approaches, making this a potentially impactful continuation of those efforts.

Where this research is happening

DURHAM, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: anti-cancer therapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.