Safer, more effective CAR T-cell therapy by reducing harmful myeloid cytokines
Towards Safer and More Effective CART Cell Therapy Through the Modulation of Myeloid Cytokines
['FUNDING_R37'] · MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER · NIH-11262878
Seeing whether blocking the immune protein GM‑CSF can make CAR T-cell therapy safer and work better for people with B‑cell blood cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11262878 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers aim to lower levels of myeloid cytokines—especially GM‑CSF—that can trigger dangerous cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity after CAR T‑cell treatment. They use laboratory and animal models and modify CAR T cells or give drugs that neutralize GM‑CSF to reduce monocyte activation, prevent CAR T cell death, and boost anti‑cancer activity. Promising preclinical results and emergency use in severe COVID‑19 have led to a Phase 1/2 multicenter trial testing GM‑CSF neutralization in patients getting CAR T therapy. If you join, treatment would be delivered at a participating hospital with close monitoring, blood tests, and follow‑up visits to track immune effects and side effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with B‑cell malignancies (for example, acute lymphoblastic leukemia or B‑cell lymphoma) who are eligible for CAR T‑cell therapy and meet the trial’s enrollment criteria.
Not a fit: People without B‑cell cancers, those not receiving CAR T treatment, or patients who are too medically unwell or otherwise ineligible for the trial are unlikely to receive direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reduce life‑threatening CRS and neurotoxicity and help CAR T therapy produce longer‑lasting remissions.
How similar studies have performed: Strong preclinical data and early clinical use of GM‑CSF depletion in cytokine storm settings showed promise, but large controlled trials in CAR T patients remain limited.
Where this research is happening
ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES
- MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER — ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KENDERIAN, SAAD J. — MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER
- Study coordinator: KENDERIAN, SAAD J.
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 below.