Multi-tumor antigen T cell therapy for pancreatic cancer
Official title: Safety and Efficacy of a Multi-Tumor-Associated Antigen-Specific T Cell Therapy in Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Funded at Marker Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11444174 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing overview of a new autologous T cell therapy aimed at pancreatic cancer that expresses several tumor markers to help fight the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marker Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $645,493 |
| NIH project number | 1R01FD008756-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11444174 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic cancer who have limited standard treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who cannot tolerate cell-based therapy or who do not respond to the infused T cells may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests MT-601, a patient’s own immune cells that are prepared to recognize six pancreatic tumor markers and then infused back to the patient. The therapy is designed to limit tumor escape while aiming to reduce harm to healthy tissues, using a straightforward manufacturing process from a patient’s blood cells. If successful, it could extend survival and provide a new treatment option for people with locally advanced pancreatic cancer who have limited choices. Participation would involve apheresis to collect cells, cell processing, and treatment infusions under medical supervision. The study is conducted at Marker Therapeutics in Houston and will follow patients closely for safety and signs of benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could prolong survival and offer a new treatment option for pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other T cell therapies have shown safety and potential benefit in pancreatic cancer, but this approach targets multiple tumor antigens.
Where this research is happening
-
Marker Therapeutics, INC.
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vera, Juan Fernando — Marker Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Vera, Juan Fernando
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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.