Improving the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy for solid tumors
Official title: Targeting immunosuppression of intratumoral CAR T cells
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11014461 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to make CAR T cell therapy work better for people with solid tumors by figuring out why the treatment sometimes doesn't work and finding new ways to help the CAR T cells fight the cancer more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $509,474 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA285321-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014461 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with solid tumors who are considering or currently undergoing CAR T cell therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hematological cancers or those not eligible for CAR T cell therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy, particularly for solid tumors, which often resist treatment due to an immunosuppressive environment. The team aims to identify the mechanisms that lead to the inactivation of CAR T cells within tumors and to develop strategies to counteract these effects. By focusing on specific proteins and pathways that contribute to the downregulation of important receptors on CAR T cells, the research seeks to improve their viability and tumor-fighting capabilities. Patients may benefit from new therapies that could make CAR T cell treatments more effective against solid tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective CAR T cell therapies for patients with solid tumors, potentially improving their treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in enhancing CAR T cell therapy, but this specific approach targeting the tumor microenvironment is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fuchs, Serge Y — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Fuchs, Serge Y
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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.