Understanding how CAR T-cells kill cancer cells repeatedly

What fuels CAR T-cell serial killing

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11043335

This study is looking at how CAR T-cells, a type of immune cell used in cancer treatment, can be more effective at killing cancer cells by understanding their energy use and how certain genes affect their performance, which could help improve therapies for patients with acute myeloid leukemia and other advanced cancers.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11043335 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms that enable CAR T-cells to effectively kill cancer cells multiple times. By examining the energy costs associated with T-cell migration and cytotoxicity, the study aims to identify how metabolic factors influence the effectiveness of these immune cells. Using advanced technology, the researchers will analyze how certain genes and metabolic conditions affect the ability of CAR T-cells to target and eliminate tumor cells. The findings could lead to improved CAR T-cell therapies for patients with acute myeloid leukemia and other advanced cancers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia or other advanced malignancies who may benefit from CAR T-cell therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers or those not eligible for CAR T-cell therapy may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of CAR T-cell therapies, leading to better outcomes for patients with aggressive blood cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with CAR T-cell therapies, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, 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: Advanced Cancer

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.