Understanding how combination therapy can activate natural killer cells to fight cancer

Mechanisms underlying combination therapy mobilizing NK cells

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY · NIH-11059144

This study is looking at how mixing different treatments can help your immune cells, called natural killer (NK) cells, work better with another type of immune cell, T cells, to fight cancer, especially in tough cases where standard therapies haven't worked well. If successful, this could lead to new ways to improve cancer treatment for patients like you.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BERKELEY, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11059144 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how combining different therapies can enhance the effectiveness of natural killer (NK) cells in attacking cancer cells. It focuses on the mechanisms that allow NK cells to work alongside T cells, especially in cases where traditional checkpoint therapies fail. By using specific agonists, the study aims to improve the immune response against tumors that lack certain antigens, which are often resistant to existing treatments. Patients may benefit from new therapeutic strategies that could lead to better outcomes in cancer treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that have shown resistance to traditional therapies, particularly those with MHC I-deficient tumors.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that are responsive to existing checkpoint therapies may not receive additional benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments that harness the power of NK cells, potentially improving survival rates for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for significant advancements in cancer immunotherapy.

Where this research is happening

BERKELEY, 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: anti-cancer immunotherapy, anti-cancer therapy, anticancer immunotherapy

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.