NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating immune factors affecting treatment outcomes in neuroblastoma among different racial groups

Official title: Tumor and Host Immune signatures associated with health disparities in outcomes following GD2 immunotherapy in neuroblastoma

Funded at Emory University · NIH-10980735 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking into why Black children with neuroblastoma don't do as well with a specific treatment compared to White children, focusing on how certain immune cells might affect the treatment's success, and it aims to find out more about the reasons behind these differences so that all kids can get better care.

More Immunotherapy research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project startJuly 2, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2029
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$576,659
NIH project number1R01CA285566-01A1
Project IDNIH-10980735 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma, particularly those of African descent.

Less likely to help

Patients with neuroblastoma who are not of African descent or those who do not meet the age criteria may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding why Black children with neuroblastoma experience worse outcomes after receiving GD2 immunotherapy compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts. It examines the role of immune cells, particularly natural killer (NK) cells, and how their presence or exhaustion in tumors may influence treatment effectiveness. By analyzing biological factors and social determinants of health, the study aims to uncover the underlying reasons for these disparities. Patients may be involved in trials assessing the effectiveness of immunotherapy in relation to their immune profiles.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for neuroblastoma that are tailored to address racial disparities in patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that immune cell profiles can significantly impact treatment responses, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Emory University
    Atlanta, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Goldsmith, Kelly C — Emory University
  • Study coordinator: Goldsmith, Kelly C

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Targeting KAT6A/B to boost GD2 immunotherapy against neuroblastoma

    A scientist team plans to test whether blocking KAT6A/B makes neuroblastoma cells more responsive to GD2-targeted immunotherapy, potentially helping children with this cancer.

    NIH research Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · Boston, United States · NIH-11370738

  • CAR-NKT Cells to Treat Neuroblastoma in Children

    This grant funds research to develop CAR-NKT cell therapy for children with neuroblastoma, aiming to improve tumor killing and help those with resistant disease.

    NIH research Baylor College of Medicine · Houston, United States · NIH-11366862

  • Using specialized immune cells to treat neuroblastoma in children

    This study is looking at a new way to help children with neuroblastoma by using specially modified immune cells to better find and fight the cancer, and so far, it seems safe and promising!

    NIH research Baylor College of Medicine · Houston, United States · NIH-11115581

  • Boosting immune response to fight cancer

    This study is exploring a new way to help your immune system better fight cancer by tweaking certain cells in your body, and it aims to improve treatment for people with advanced cancer.

    NIH research University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia, United States · NIH-9868156

  • A center focused on immunotherapy for pediatric cancers.

    This study is exploring new ways to use the body's immune system to fight childhood cancers, aiming to create better treatments for kids whose cancers haven't responded well to standard therapies.

    NIH research Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp · Columbus, United States · NIH-9839924

  • Algorithms to find HLA-E neoantigens for cancer immunotherapy

    Aims to develop computer methods to discover tumor-specific targets presented by HLA-E to guide new T cell therapies for cancer.

    NIH research University of Maryland Baltimore · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11618504

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.