Understanding Immunotherapy Success in Advanced Cancer

Determinants of response to cancer immunotherapy

NIH-funded research Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11180391

This project aims to discover why some advanced cancer patients respond well to immunotherapy while others do not, helping us find better treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11180391 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding why immunotherapy works for some advanced cancer patients but not for others. We are using advanced single-cell technologies to closely examine immune cells within tumors before and after treatment. Our goal is to identify specific immune cells that effectively fight cancer and those that might be suppressing the immune system's response. By understanding these cellular interactions, we hope to develop new combination therapies that can enhance the body's natural ability to fight cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with advanced cancer who are undergoing immunotherapy, particularly those participating in neoadjuvant clinical trials, would be ideal candidates for this type of research.

Not a fit: Patients not currently receiving or considering immunotherapy for advanced cancer may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new combination immunotherapies that are more effective for a wider range of advanced cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: While immunotherapy has shown success in some patients, this research explores novel immune cell types and combinations to improve response rates, building on existing knowledge.

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.
Conditions Advanced Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.