Understanding how CAR T cell therapy affects the blood-brain barrier

Blood Brain Barrier Disruption during Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-10908318

This study is looking at how CAR T cell therapy might affect the protective barrier in the brain and whether these changes could cause side effects for patients, with the hope of making this cancer treatment safer and more effective for everyone.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10908318 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of CAR T cell therapy on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and how these effects may lead to neurotoxicity in patients. By examining both human data and mouse models, the study aims to identify whether disruptions in the BBB and changes in cerebral blood flow contribute to neurological side effects experienced by some patients undergoing this treatment. The research employs advanced imaging techniques to analyze the BBB and its components, providing insights into the mechanisms behind these adverse effects. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the safety and efficacy of CAR T cell therapies for patients with certain cancers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing CAR T cell therapy for leukemia or lymphoma who may be at risk for neurological complications.

Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving CAR T cell therapy or those with conditions unrelated to the blood-brain barrier may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer CAR T cell therapies with fewer neurological side effects for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has indicated potential mechanisms of neurotoxicity in CAR T cell therapy, but this specific investigation into BBB disruption is novel.

Where this research is happening

SEATTLE, 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 →

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.