Targeting lung cancer with immune-modulating T cell therapy

Immune modulating T cell therapy for lung cancer

NIH-funded research Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · NIH-11052418

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRalph H Johnson VA Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charleston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11052418 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with lung cancer who may benefit from innovative immune therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with lung cancer who are not veterans or those who do not respond to immune-modulating therapies may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Charleston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions anti-canceranti-cancer therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.