Understanding how the immune system fights Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11085186 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how a specific type of immune cell, called gdT cells, might help control Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) and improve patient outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2004 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $442,406 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA102613-19 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085186 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) who are seeking new treatment options, particularly those whose tumors have become resistant to standard therapies, are the focus of this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without GIST or those whose tumors respond well to existing treatments may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
What this research studies
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) is a common type of cancer that often becomes resistant to current treatments, making new approaches essential. This project looks closely at the body's own immune system, specifically a type of cell called gdT cells, to see how they respond to GIST. Researchers are studying both mouse models and human tumor samples to understand how these immune cells behave within the tumor. They are also exploring how existing GIST medications might influence these immune cells, hoping to find new ways to boost the body's natural defenses against the cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that harness the body's immune system to fight GIST, especially for patients who develop resistance to current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of gdT cells in GIST is a relatively new area, previous studies have shown the potential of immune-based therapies in other cancers, suggesting a promising direction for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dematteo, Ronald P. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Dematteo, Ronald P.
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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.