Preventing damage at telomeres to enhance cancer treatment effectiveness
Official title: Neutralizing oxidative damage at telomeres prevents T cell dysfunction and improves adoptive cell therapies against cancer
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11034627 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how damage to the ends of chromosomes in immune cells affects their ability to fight cancer in patients receiving special treatments, with the goal of finding ways to help these cells work better and last longer in the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | December 13, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $222,998 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA296693-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034627 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who are receiving or are eligible for adoptive cell therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing adoptive cell therapies or those with conditions unrelated to T cell dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how oxidative damage at telomeres affects T cell function in cancer patients undergoing adoptive cell therapies. By understanding the role of reactive oxidative species in the tumor microenvironment, the study aims to improve the persistence and effectiveness of T cells in fighting tumors. The approach involves analyzing telomere integrity in immune cells and exploring methods to neutralize oxidative stress, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients receiving these therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved effectiveness of adoptive cell therapies, resulting in better cancer treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in enhancing immune responses through metabolic reprogramming, indicating that this approach may hold significant potential.
Where this research is happening
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University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rivadeneira, Dayana — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Rivadeneira, Dayana
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.