Targeted VEGF-blocking CAR-T cells to boost kidney cancer therapy
Official title: Targeted delivery of a VEGF‐blocking scFv by CD70 CAR‐T cells to enhance anti‐tumor activity in renal cell carcinoma
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11332290 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-focused look at using engineered CAR-T cells that block VEGF right at the tumor to improve treatment for kidney cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $297,728 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA289948-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332290 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with renal cell carcinoma who might be eligible for future CAR-T cell therapies or related trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with tumors not driven by VEGF or those unable to tolerate CAR-T cell therapy may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This grant explores a new CAR-T cell approach for solid tumors, specifically kidney cancer, by having the CAR-T cells locally release a VEGF blocker to reduce blood vessel growth and help the immune cells work better. It aims to understand how this secreted blocker affects CAR-T cell function, safety, and anti-tumor activity in preclinical models. The research will examine how the interaction between CAR-T cells and the tumor environment changes when VEGF is blocked at the tumor site. The ultimate goal is to create a safer, more effective therapy that can overcome challenges seen with CAR-T cells in solid tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this strategy could enhance CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors like renal cell carcinoma by improving effectiveness and durability while reducing tumor blood vessel growth.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical work suggests combining CAR-T cells with localized VEGF blockade could improve function in solid tumors, but human data are still limited.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leick, Mark — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Leick, Mark
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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.