Increasing immune cells in tumors to improve cancer treatment

Modulating Intratumoral Immune Composition to Enhance Immunotherapy

NIH-funded research Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-10948832

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBeckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Duarte, United States)
Project IDNIH-10948832 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with solid tumors who are undergoing or considering immunotherapy treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with non-solid tumors or those who are not candidates for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Duarte, 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-Cancer Agents
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.