Understanding how cancer cells evade CAR T cell therapy
Escape from CAR T surveillance through lineage plasticity
This study is looking at how some cancer cells in patients with acute B-lymphocytic leukemia can change to avoid being killed by CAR T cell therapy, with the goal of finding better ways to help these patients when their treatment isn't working as well as it should.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11082318 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain cancer cells can change their characteristics to resist treatment with CAR T cell therapy, particularly in patients with acute B-lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL). The study focuses on the mechanisms that allow these cells to escape detection and destruction by the immune system after therapy. By examining the genetic and phenotypic changes in these cancer cells, the researchers aim to identify new strategies to enhance the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy and improve patient outcomes. This work is crucial for developing better treatments for patients who experience relapse after initial therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with relapsed or refractory acute B-lymphocytic leukemia who have undergone CAR T cell therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of leukemia or those who have not received CAR T cell therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved CAR T cell therapies that prevent cancer relapse and enhance long-term remission for patients with B-ALL.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the mechanisms of cancer cell resistance can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ernst, Patricia — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Ernst, Patricia
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 below.