Make CAR T therapy last longer for multiple myeloma
Improving response durability after CAR T cell therapy for multiple myeloma
This project tries CAR T cells made from bone marrow immune cells to help people with multiple myeloma stay in remission longer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11192830 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is developing CAR T cells that target BCMA, a protein commonly found on myeloma cells. Instead of using T cells from the blood, they will manufacture CAR T cells from marrow-infiltrating lymphocytes taken from the bone marrow and give them back to patients. The program includes lab studies and a clinical trial to check safety, how the cells behave over time, and whether they can prevent the late relapses that follow current CAR T therapies. Researchers will combine patient samples and preclinical work because earlier findings suggest T cell features and the bone marrow environment influence relapse risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who are eligible for anti-BCMA CAR T cell therapy and can undergo bone marrow collection and follow-up at the study center.
Not a fit: Patients whose myeloma lacks BCMA, who are medically ineligible for cellular therapy, or who cannot travel to the treatment center are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lengthen remissions and reduce relapse after CAR T therapy for multiple myeloma patients.
How similar studies have performed: BCMA-targeting CAR T therapies have produced strong initial responses but most patients relapse over time, and using marrow-derived T cells is a newer approach with limited prior clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Milone, Michael C. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Milone, Michael C.
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 below.