Improving the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy for solid tumors

Targeting immunosuppression of intratumoral CAR T cells

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11014461

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11014461 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with solid tumors who are considering or currently undergoing CAR T cell therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with hematological cancers or those not eligible for CAR T cell therapy may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Philadelphia, 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 anti-canceranti-cancer immunotherapyanti-cancer therapyanticancer immunotherapy
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.