Targeting the cancer glycocalyx to improve immune response

Targeting the cancer glycocalyx

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11065524

This study is looking at how cancer cells change their surface sugars to hide from the immune system, and it's for people with cancer who want better treatment options; the goal is to create new therapies that help the immune system recognize and fight the cancer more effectively.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11065524 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how cancer cells alter their surface sugars, which helps them evade the immune system. By understanding these changes, the study aims to develop new therapies that can break this immune suppression. The approach includes creating specialized antibodies that can degrade the sugars on cancer cells, making them more visible to the immune system. This could enhance the effectiveness of existing cancer treatments and improve patient outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients whose tumors exhibit altered glycosylation patterns, particularly those with aggressive disease.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose tumors do not show the specific glycosylation changes targeted by this research may not benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer therapies that improve immune responses and patient survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting glycosylation patterns in cancer, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in cancer treatment.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, 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.
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.