NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

NextGen CAR-T for childhood solid cancers

Official title: NextGen - CRI

Funded at Children's Research Institute · NIH-11539614 · Data updated 2026-11-12

Aims to develop next-generation engineered T-cell therapies to treat pediatric solid tumors by identifying new targets and improving T-cell function.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionChildren's Research Institute
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Washington, United States)
Project startJune 22, 2022
Project endMay 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$1,626,552
NIH project number3OT2CA278700-01S4
Project IDNIH-11539614 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates are pediatric patients with solid tumors (e.g., brain tumors, sarcomas) who may benefit from future CAR-T therapies.

Less likely to help

Patients whose tumors lack suitable targets or who cannot tolerate future cellular therapies may not benefit.

What this research studies

This program focuses on creating advanced CAR-T cell therapies for children with solid cancers, aiming to overcome tumor defenses and heterogeneity. Researchers will study primary tumor samples to discover targets and understand the tumor microenvironment, while closely linking laboratory work with clinical development. The goal is to move toward routine, safer, and more effective T-cell treatments for pediatric patients within the next decade.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, children with difficult-to-treat solid tumors could receive more effective, durable, and less toxic T-cell therapy.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research in CAR-T therapy has shown promise in hematologic cancers and is being extended to solid tumors with this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Children's Research Institute
    Washington, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Bollard, Catherine M. — Children's Research Institute
  • Study coordinator: Bollard, Catherine M.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.