Understanding how the IL-18-IFNγ pathway affects immunotherapy responses
Official title: The IL-18-IFNγ axis predicts response to immunotherapy
Funded at Seattle Children's Hospital · NIH-11061215 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain markers in the blood can help doctors understand how well CAR T-cell therapy will work for kids with leukemia, so they can better manage treatment and keep patients safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $797,116 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA266777-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061215 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who are receiving CAR T-cell therapy for leukemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing CAR T-cell therapy or are over the age of 11 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the IL-18-IFNγ axis can predict responses to immunotherapy in pediatric leukemia patients receiving CAR T-cell therapy. By analyzing blood samples from patients, the study aims to identify specific biomarkers that indicate the likelihood of treatment success or the risk of severe side effects. The approach includes developing machine learning algorithms to analyze these biomarkers, which could help healthcare providers better prepare for potential complications and improve patient outcomes. Ultimately, this research seeks to enhance the safety and effectiveness of CAR T-cell therapy for children with leukemia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prediction of treatment responses and reduced side effects for pediatric leukemia patients undergoing CAR T-cell therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers to predict treatment responses in immunotherapy, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Seattle Children's Hospital
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gustafson, Heather Leigh Herd — Seattle Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Gustafson, Heather Leigh Herd
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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.