Targeting solid tumors with advanced CAR T cells and imaging
Official title: Dual-targeted DOTA CAR T cells with image-guided monitoring for solid tumor treatment
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10879575 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new kind of CAR T cell therapy that can be safely controlled and tracked after it's given to cancer patients, using special technology to help doctors see how well the treatment is working against tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,453,091 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3CA290451-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10879575 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with solid tumors that express specific folate receptors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with tumors that do not express the targeted folate receptors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of CAR T cell therapy that can be controlled and monitored after being infused into patients. The approach involves genetically engineering T cells to recognize specific tumor markers, allowing for personalized treatment. Additionally, the therapy incorporates imaging technology to track the location and activity of the CAR T cells in real-time, which aims to enhance safety and effectiveness in treating solid tumors. By using a combination of targeted biologics and advanced imaging, the researchers hope to improve outcomes for cancer patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer treatments for patients with solid tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using CAR T cell therapies for various cancers, but this specific approach with imaging and dual-targeting is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Powell, Daniel J. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Powell, Daniel J.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Dual-targeted DOTA CAR T cells with image-guided monitoring for solid tumors
A Penn team is developing a controllable CAR T cell therapy for solid tumors that can be tracked with PET imaging and guided by targeted agents to improve safety and effectiveness.
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Improving patient access to gynecologic cancer trials at UVA
This grant helps UVA boost enrollment in gynecologic and solid tumor trials so more women with gynecologic cancers can access cutting-edge therapies.
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Tuning CAR T cells to work better in solid tumors
A cancer-immunotherapy approach uses specially trained CAR T cells designed to attack solid tumors more effectively and safely.
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A 3D lab tool to see how solid tumors squeeze and spread
This project builds a tiny 3D device that measures how solid tumors push, deform, and let cancer cells break away, which could help people with cancers that form solid tumors.
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Dual-target CAR T therapy with PET tracking for solid tumors
A controllable CAR T-cell treatment that doctors can track with PET scans and direct at solid tumors in adults whose cancers express folate receptors.
-
Atlas of the tumor environment in childhood cancers
This project will map the cells and signals surrounding childhood solid tumors like neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and Wilms tumor to find weaknesses that could help children with high-risk disease.
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.