Scans that show T cells and tumor macrophages at the same time during immunotherapy
Dual-isotope SPECT imaging and immunophenotyping of immune cells to determine response to immunotherapy
['FUNDING_R01'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11262215
This project is testing a new SPECT scan that lights up both cytotoxic T cells and tumor-associated macrophages to help people with metastatic melanoma or kidney cancer on immunotherapy see whether treatment is working.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | YALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11262215 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would receive specially labeled imaging probes for a SPECT scan that bind to cytotoxic T cells (CD8) and to tumor-associated macrophages (CD68) so both cell types can be seen at once. The team will perform scans before and during combination immunotherapy and compare the images with tissue biopsies and lab tests. The scans aim to show dynamic changes in immune cells inside tumors and help distinguish real tumor growth from inflammatory pseudoprogression. If successful, this approach could reduce the need for repeated on-treatment biopsies and help guide safer treatment decisions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with metastatic melanoma or renal cell carcinoma who are starting or receiving immunotherapy and can undergo imaging and occasional biopsy.
Not a fit: Patients with other cancer types, those not receiving immunotherapy, or those unable to have nuclear imaging or biopsies are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these scans could let doctors non-invasively monitor immune cells in tumors and avoid ineffective or toxic treatments sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Single-target immune imaging (for example PET imaging of CD8 T cells) has shown promise, but concurrently imaging T cells and tumor macrophages with dual-isotope SPECT is a newer and less-tested approach in patients.
Where this research is happening
NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES
- YALE UNIVERSITY — NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KLUGER, HARRIET M. — YALE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KLUGER, HARRIET M.
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.