Personalized vaccine to boost tumor-killing immune cells in ovarian cancer

Project 1

NIH-funded research Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp · NIH-11146383

A personalized vaccine approach to boost tumor-killing CD8 T cells in people with ovarian cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRoswell Park Cancer Institute Corp NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Buffalo, United States)
Project IDNIH-11146383 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project looks at the pieces of protein (antigens) shown on a patient’s ovarian tumor and on immune cells that present those antigens. Researchers will compare these antigen patterns and use computer tools plus lab testing to find patient-specific neoantigen peptides. They will load those peptides onto specially prepared dendritic cells made outside the body to train CD8 T cells to recognize and kill the tumor. The goal is to produce a broader and stronger T cell response that can better target each patient’s cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with ovarian cancer who can provide tumor tissue and blood samples for neoantigen identification and immune testing would be the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients whose tumors lack identifiable neoantigens or who cannot provide tumor or blood samples may not receive direct benefit from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could lead to personalized dendritic cell-based vaccines that produce stronger tumor-killing T cells and improve outcomes for people with ovarian cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Personalized neoantigen vaccines have shown promising immune responses in other cancers, but this specific dendritic cell-loaded approach in ovarian cancer is relatively new.

Where this research is happening

Buffalo, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.