Understanding barriers to immunotherapy in cancer treatment

Probing cellular, molecular and biomechanical barriers to immunotherapy in the tumor microenvironment with organotypic in vitro models of the tumor-lympho-immune interface

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · NIH-11059708

This study is looking at how tumors hide from the immune system and is trying to find better ways to make immunotherapy work for cancer patients by creating models that mimic the tumor environment, so doctors can personalize treatments based on each patient's unique tumor.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11059708 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how tumors evade the immune system and explores new ways to enhance immunotherapy effectiveness. By using advanced organotypic culture devices, the study aims to create models that replicate the tumor microenvironment, allowing researchers to analyze how different immune cells interact with tumors. This approach will help identify personalized immunotherapy strategies tailored to individual patients' tumor characteristics. The goal is to improve the response rates of immunotherapies for cancer patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with various types of cancer who are considering or currently undergoing immunotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not respond to immunotherapy or those who are not eligible for such treatments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy treatments for cancer patients, increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using organotypic models to study tumor-immune interactions, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

CHICAGO, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Breast Cancer Model

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.