Understanding how genetic changes affect T cell cancer treatment
Official title: Dissecting the impact of genomic variants on hallmarks of T cell anti-tumor activity
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11070762 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes in T cells can help them work better against cancers like melanoma and leukemia, with the hope of creating improved treatments for patients who haven't had success with current options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 7, 2025 |
| Project end | March 6, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $51,492 |
| NIH project number | 1F30CA298572-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070762 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with melanoma or leukemia who are considering or have undergone T cell-based therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not involve T cell therapies or those who are not eligible for such treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific genetic variants in T cells can influence their effectiveness in fighting cancers like melanoma and leukemia. By using advanced techniques such as CRISPR base editing, the team aims to identify and enhance genetic changes that improve T cell activity and persistence in the body. The goal is to develop more effective T cell therapies that can lead to better outcomes for patients who currently do not respond well to existing treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective T cell therapies for cancer patients, improving their chances of long-term remission.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in enhancing T cell therapies through genetic modifications, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walsh, Zachary Hudson — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Walsh, Zachary Hudson
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Precision phenotyping of emphysema in the elderly: a study in diverse adults
Researchers will look at CT scans and lung tests in older adults to understand different forms of emphysema and how they relate to health outcomes.
-
HPV-based cervical cancer screening and treatment implementation in resource-limited settings
A collaborative project to help doctors in South Africa put HPV-based screening and same-day treatment for cervical cancer into routine care, so more people get fast, effective care.
-
Cervical cancer screening and treatment rollout in resource-poor settings
A team from Columbia and the University of Cape Town is testing how to best implement affordable, same-day HPV-based screen-and-treat for cervical cancer in public health settings.
-
Understanding SCN3A-related Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathy and Finding Better Treatments
This NIH grant focuses on how SCN3A gene variants cause developmental epileptic encephalopathy and aims to develop more effective therapies for affected patients.
-
mChoice: Boosting PrEP Use and Adherence for Black and Latino MSM with Tailored Training and Support
A national study to help Black and Latino men who have sex with men start and stick with PrEP through culturally matched provider training and patient support.
-
M-CaRE: Mobile clinics and a smart heart-lung care tool for multimorbidity
A mobile, multilingual tool plus community health workers will help screen and manage high blood pressure and COPD in diverse adult patients, especially in underserved areas.
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.