KITv-enhanced CAR T cells for mesothelin-positive solid tumors
Official title: Tuning KITv CAR T cells for the solid tumor environment
Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11168905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work develops engineered CAR T cells that use a KITv switch to help treat people with mesothelin-expressing solid tumors, including pleural cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 13, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $655,042 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA292664-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11168905 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people with mesothelin-expressing solid tumors (for example malignant pleural mesothelioma or other MSLN-positive cancers) who are eligible for CAR T–cell therapy and regional delivery.
✕Less likely to help
People whose tumors do not express mesothelin, who cannot tolerate cellular immunotherapy, or who are unable to travel to a specialized treatment center are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
You would receive engineered CAR T cells that target mesothelin and include a KITv costimulatory switch to help them stay active inside solid tumors. The cells also include a built-in PD1 dominant-negative receptor and are given regionally (for example intrapleurally) to avoid lung trapping and resist suppression from TGFβ. Earlier mesothelin-directed CAR T approaches have been given to dozens of patients with good on-target safety, and preclinical KITv data show improved persistence and tumor killing. The team aims to bring these tuned CAR T cells into clinical use for people with mesothelin-positive cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive CAR T cells that persist longer in tumors and overcome the suppressive tumor environment, potentially improving responses and survival for some solid tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier mesothelin-targeting CAR T cells have been given to dozens of patients with acceptable on-target safety, and built-in PD1DNR and KITv approaches have shown promise in early patient use and preclinical models.
Where this research is happening
-
Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adusumilli, Prasad S. — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Adusumilli, Prasad S.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Dual-targeted DOTA CAR T cells with image-guided monitoring for solid tumors
A Penn team is developing a controllable CAR T cell therapy for solid tumors that can be tracked with PET imaging and guided by targeted agents to improve safety and effectiveness.
-
Improving patient access to gynecologic cancer trials at UVA
This grant helps UVA boost enrollment in gynecologic and solid tumor trials so more women with gynecologic cancers can access cutting-edge therapies.
-
Tuning CAR T cells to work better in solid tumors
A cancer-immunotherapy approach uses specially trained CAR T cells designed to attack solid tumors more effectively and safely.
-
A 3D lab tool to see how solid tumors squeeze and spread
This project builds a tiny 3D device that measures how solid tumors push, deform, and let cancer cells break away, which could help people with cancers that form solid tumors.
-
Dual-target CAR T therapy with PET tracking for solid tumors
A controllable CAR T-cell treatment that doctors can track with PET scans and direct at solid tumors in adults whose cancers express folate receptors.
-
Atlas of the tumor environment in childhood cancers
This project will map the cells and signals surrounding childhood solid tumors like neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and Wilms tumor to find weaknesses that could help children with high-risk disease.
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.