Investigating how natural killer cell exosomes can improve treatment for neuroblastoma in children
Official title: Clinical Implications of Natural Killer-derived exosomal miRNAs in Neuroblastoma
Funded at Children's Research Institute · NIH-11061289 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny particles from special immune cells can help improve treatments for neuroblastoma, a serious childhood cancer, by making existing therapies work better and finding new ways to measure how well the treatment is working.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $732,471 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279269-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061289 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who have been diagnosed with neuroblastoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neuroblastoma who are not eligible for immunotherapy or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of exosomes derived from activated natural killer (NK) cells in treating neuroblastoma, a common and aggressive childhood cancer. The study aims to explore how these exosomes, which contain microRNAs and other biologically active components, can enhance the effectiveness of existing chemoimmunotherapy treatments. By analyzing the gene expression and therapeutic potential of these exosomes, the research seeks to identify new biomarkers for treatment response and improve patient outcomes. Patients may have their NK cells activated and studied to assess the impact of these exosomes on cancer cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy treatments for children with neuroblastoma, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using NK cell-derived exosomes for cancer treatment, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Research Institute
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fabbri, Muller — Children's Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Fabbri, Muller
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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.