New immunotherapy using engineered macrophages to fight cancer
RaceCAR-M immunotherapy for cancer and beyond
This study is testing a new cancer treatment that uses special immune cells called macrophages to better target and kill cancer cells while keeping healthy cells safe, and it's designed for patients looking for more effective and safer options than current therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Barbara NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Barbara, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10925846 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to cancer treatment using CAR-M (macrophage) immunotherapy, which aims to enhance the ability of macrophages to target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal tissues. The study builds on previous findings from fruit fly research to improve the efficacy of human macrophages in attacking specific cancer cells. By addressing the limitations of current CAR-T therapies, this research seeks to make cellular immunotherapy more effective, accessible, and safer for patients. The project includes ongoing Phase 1 clinical trials to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this innovative treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who have not responded to traditional therapies and are seeking new treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers or those who have not exhausted other treatment options may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective and safer treatment option for cancer patients who have limited alternatives.
How similar studies have performed: While CAR-M therapies are still in early clinical trials, preliminary results suggest they may offer advantages over traditional CAR-T therapies, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Santa Barbara, United States
- University of California Santa Barbara — Santa Barbara, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Montell, Denise J. — University of California Santa Barbara
- Study coordinator: Montell, Denise J.
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.