Investigating how certain immune cells respond to radiation therapy in cancer treatment
Official title: The role of stem-like CD8 T-cells in the abscopal response
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10904630 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells can help make radiation therapy work better for people with advanced melanoma, especially when combined with other treatments, to not only fight the main tumor but also help tackle any other tumors in the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $242,465 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA270401-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904630 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with locally advanced melanoma who have not responded to standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage melanoma or those who have already responded well to existing therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of specific immune cells, particularly stem-like CD8 T-cells, in enhancing the effectiveness of radiation therapy combined with checkpoint blockade for treating locally advanced melanoma. The study aims to explore how radiation can stimulate an immune response that not only targets the tumor directly but also affects distant tumor sites, known as the abscopal effect. By examining the interactions between these immune cells and radiation therapy, the research seeks to identify innovative methods to improve patient outcomes and reduce treatment toxicity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and less toxic treatment options for patients with advanced melanoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buchwald, Zachary Scott — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Buchwald, Zachary Scott
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.