Understanding how tumors resist immunotherapy using advanced models
Probing cellular, molecular and biomechanical barriers to immunotherapy in the tumor microenvironment with organotypic in vitro models of the tumor-lympho-immune interface
This study is looking at how tumors protect themselves from cancer treatments like immunotherapy, with the hope of finding better, personalized ways to help patients respond to these therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10893508 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the barriers that tumors create to evade immunotherapy, which can limit treatment effectiveness for cancer patients. By developing innovative organotypic culture devices, the study aims to replicate the tumor microenvironment and immune interactions in a controlled setting. This approach allows researchers to explore how different factors influence the immune response to therapies like CAR T cells and checkpoint inhibitors. The goal is to identify personalized treatment strategies that could enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy for individual patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with various types of cancer who are considering or currently undergoing immunotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not respond to immunotherapy or those who are not candidates for such treatments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy treatments tailored to individual patients, improving outcomes for those with cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using similar organotypic models to study tumor-immune interactions, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swartz, Melody Ann — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Swartz, Melody Ann
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 below.