Modulating immune cell behavior in solid tumors
Official title: Targeting Tregs in the solid tumor microenvironment by modulating metabolite signaling
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-10973890 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain substances in tumors affect immune cells that can help or hinder the body's fight against cancer, with the goal of finding better ways to boost cancer treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $452,544 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA280643-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973890 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with solid tumors who are undergoing or considering immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-solid tumors or those who do not qualify for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain metabolites in the tumor microenvironment affect immune cells, particularly regulatory T cells (Tregs), which can suppress the body's immune response against tumors. By understanding how these metabolites, like succinate, influence Tregs, the research aims to develop strategies to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies for solid tumors. The approach involves targeting the signaling pathways activated by these metabolites to improve the infiltration and function of CD8+ T cells, which are crucial for attacking cancer cells. Patients may benefit from new treatment options that could lead to better outcomes in cancer therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy treatments for patients with solid tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting metabolic pathways in the tumor microenvironment to enhance immunotherapy effectiveness, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kinsella, Sinéad — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Kinsella, Sinéad
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.