Stronger engineered T‑cell therapy for multiple myeloma
Engineering Effective T cell Immunity to Multiple Myeloma
This project builds engineered T cells that can better find and stick around to fight multiple myeloma in people whose disease has returned or not responded to other treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11177700 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a patient, I'd be told that researchers are redesigning engineered T cells (like CAR‑T) so they recognize more than one myeloma marker and can detect cancer even when a tumor lowers one target. They plan to make hybrid receptors with much higher sensitivity and to reprogram the engineered cells so they keep a memory/stem‑like state linked to longer survival after infusion. The work combines laboratory engineering, molecular and epigenetic tweaks, and preclinical testing with the goal of moving improved cells into clinical testing. The team is based at a major cancer center and aims to address why some people relapse after current CAR‑T therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who are eligible for autologous T‑cell therapies or clinical trials of next‑generation cell therapies.
Not a fit: Patients whose disease is well controlled with standard therapy, who are not eligible for cell infusions, or whose tumors lack any of the targeted antigens may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these engineered T cells could produce longer remissions and reduce relapses in people with hard‑to‑treat multiple myeloma.
How similar studies have performed: Previous CAR‑T therapies have produced complete responses in some myeloma patients but relapses and antigen escape are common, so this work builds on prior success with new, less‑tested engineering strategies.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Riddell, Stanley R. — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Riddell, Stanley R.
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.