Understanding how immune cells decide their roles in cancer

Dissecting the enhancer logic governing immune cell fate decisions

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-10472872

This study is looking at how certain immune cells called CD8 T cells decide what to do when they’re in different types of cancer, like melanoma and liver cancer, to help find better ways to boost cancer treatments.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10472872 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how CD8 T cells, which play a vital role in fighting tumors, make decisions about their function and fate in different cancer environments. By examining the epigenetic mechanisms that influence these decisions, the study aims to identify the specific signals that guide T cell behavior in cancers like melanoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. The researchers will use advanced techniques to manipulate these signals and observe the effects on T cell differentiation in real-time. This could lead to new insights into improving cancer immunotherapy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with melanoma or hepatocellular carcinoma who are undergoing treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers other than melanoma or hepatocellular carcinoma may not benefit directly from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies for cancer patients by providing a deeper understanding of T cell behavior in tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding T cell dynamics in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, 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: Cancers, neoplasm/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.