New treatment using modified T cells for brain tumors
Official title: Bioactivity of CAR T cells secreting T cell engager-anitbodies in humans with glioblastoma
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10979322 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for glioblastoma, a tough brain tumor, by using special immune cells from your own body that are designed to better fight the cancer, and it aims to make these cells even more powerful with an added boost from an antibody to help your immune system attack the tumor more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $652,725 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA294071-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979322 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma who have limited treatment options available.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not eligible for CAR T cell therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel treatment for glioblastoma, a severe brain tumor, by utilizing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells derived from the patient's own immune cells. These CAR T cells are genetically engineered to target specific cancer cells, enhancing their ability to attack the tumor. The study aims to improve the effectiveness of these cells by incorporating a T cell-engaging antibody that can activate additional immune responses against the tumor. Patients will receive this innovative therapy to potentially increase the destruction of cancer cells and improve treatment outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective treatment option for patients with glioblastoma, potentially leading to better survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise with CAR T cell therapies in other cancers, indicating potential success for this novel approach in glioblastoma.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maus, Marcela Valderrama — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Maus, Marcela Valderrama
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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.