Increasing immune cells in tumors to improve cancer treatment
Official title: Modulating Intratumoral Immune Composition to Enhance Immunotherapy
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-10948832 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to boost cancer treatment by using special bacteria to help attract and activate immune cells in tumors, which could make immunotherapy work better for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | July 2, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $457,683 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA293969-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948832 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with solid tumors who are undergoing or considering immunotherapy treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-solid tumors or those who are not candidates for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy for cancer by increasing the density of immune cells within tumors. The approach involves using engineered bacteria that can deliver specific signals to attract and activate immune cells, particularly CD8 T cells, which are crucial for attacking cancer cells. By creating a more favorable tumor environment for these immune cells, the researchers hope to improve the response rates to existing immunotherapy treatments. Patients may benefit from this innovative strategy if it leads to better outcomes in cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy for patients with solid tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results using similar strategies to enhance immune responses in tumors, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Manuel, Edwin — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Manuel, Edwin
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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.