Understanding how natural killer cells influence immune responses to cancer

Dissecting the immunomodulatory effects of NK cells on immune responses to cancer

['FUNDING_R01'] · FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER · NIH-10878615

This study is looking at how special immune cells called natural killer (NK) cells can help boost cancer treatments, especially when used with therapies like anti-PD-1, to make them work better for patients.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorFRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10878615 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of natural killer (NK) cells in enhancing immune responses against cancer, particularly in conjunction with existing therapies like anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. The study aims to identify how NK cells can improve the effectiveness of these treatments by regulating the presence of specific immune cells in the tumor environment. By examining the production of certain cytokines by NK cells, the research seeks to uncover new therapeutic targets that could lead to better patient outcomes. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective cancer treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancer who have not responded well to current immunotherapies.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that are not amenable to immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer therapies that enhance patient responses to existing immunotherapies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing cancer treatment outcomes by targeting immune cell interactions, suggesting potential success for this approach.

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 →

Conditions: Cancers

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.