Targeting lung cancer with immune-modulating T cell therapy
Official title: Immune modulating T cell therapy for lung cancer
Funded at Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · NIH-11052418 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for lung cancer that uses specially designed immune cells to deliver a helpful substance directly to the tumors, aiming to improve safety and effectiveness, especially for veterans battling this disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I01BX006455-01A2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052418 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with lung cancer who may benefit from innovative immune therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lung cancer who are not veterans or those who do not respond to immune-modulating therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of T cell therapy that delivers a cytokine called Interleukin 12 directly to lung cancer tumors. The approach involves engineering CAR-T cells to target specific proteins associated with lung cancer, namely mesothelin and C3d. A unique method of adoptive transfer is used to ensure that the immune function is preserved, and a novel gene expression system is incorporated to enhance safety and control during treatment. The goal is to validate the safety and effectiveness of this therapy in pre-clinical settings, particularly for veterans suffering from lung cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for lung cancer patients, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using CAR-T cell therapies for various cancers, indicating potential success for this novel approach in lung cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'neil, Richard Thomas — Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: O'neil, Richard Thomas
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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.