Targeting pancreatic cancer with CAR T cells and bispecific antibodies
Official title: CAR T cells targeting mesothelin and secreting bispecific antibodies targeting fibroblasts in pancreatic cancer
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10903885 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat pancreatic cancer using special immune cells that can target tumor cells and help fight the cancer more effectively, which could be a great option for patients looking for better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,342,869 |
| NIH project number | 5UG3CA283619-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903885 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who have not responded to standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-solid tumors or those who have already received extensive treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treat pancreatic cancer using CAR T cells that target mesothelin, a specific antigen found in tumors, while also secreting bispecific antibodies that engage cancer-associated fibroblasts. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy by overcoming challenges such as tumor microenvironment suppression and dense stroma that hinder T cell infiltration. The study will optimize the CAR T cell design and delivery methods to improve their ability to eliminate cancer cells and supportive fibroblasts in the tumor. Patients may benefit from this innovative therapy if it proves effective in clinical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with CAR T cell therapies targeting solid tumors, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maus, Marcela Valderrama — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Maus, Marcela Valderrama
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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.