NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

NexTGen: Next-Generation T cell therapy for childhood cancers

Official title: NexTGen - DFCI

Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11539615 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A charity-friendly overview: researchers at Dana-Farber are developing advanced engineered T-cell therapies to treat pediatric solid cancers like brain tumors and sarcomas.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDana-Farber Cancer Inst
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startSeptember 26, 2023
Project endMay 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$581,692
NIH project number3OT2CA291436-01S3
Project IDNIH-11539615 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Children and young adults with solid tumors (e.g., pediatric sarcomas and brain tumors) who may be eligible for engineered T-cell therapies.

Less likely to help

Not all patients will respond to engineered T-cell therapies, and some may experience treatment-related risks.

What this research studies

This project aims to create safer, more effective T-cell therapies for children with solid tumors. By studying primary pediatric tumors and the tumor microenvironment, the team plans to identify new targets and refine T-cell engineering. A closely linked clinical development plan will help translate lab discoveries into progressively tested treatments for kids in need.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could lead to new, durable treatments that improve survival and quality of life for children with hard-to-treat solid cancers.

How similar studies have gone: Engineered T-cell therapies have shown promise in hematologic cancers, guiding this pediatric-focused effort to address solid tumors.

Where this research is happening

  • Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Majzner, Robbie G. — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
  • Study coordinator: Majzner, Robbie G.

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.