Understanding why CAR T cells struggle in solid tumors
Official title: Response and resistance to chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy in human solid tumors using spatial multi-omics
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11399836 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying why CAR T cell therapy works well for blood cancers but not as well for solid tumors, using advanced tissue analyses from multiple clinical trials.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $406,250 |
| NIH project number | 5DP5OD037346-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11399836 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients enrolled in the five referenced CAR T cell trials and their tissue samples will be analyzed as part of the research.
✕Less likely to help
Direct benefits to patients depend on future translational advances; the study mainly advances scientific understanding.
What this research studies
This project will apply a novel, spatial multi-omics platform to tumor samples collected before and after CAR T cell treatment from five clinical trials in pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and IL-18 producing CAR T cells for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. By comparing the tumor microenvironment and immune cell interactions across different cancers, researchers aim to identify the precise barriers limiting CAR T cell effectiveness in solid tumors. The study emphasizes actionable interactions between tumor cells, CAR T cells, and tumor-associated myeloid cells that may drive resistance or toxicity. Results could guide the design of next-generation CAR T strategies and combination therapies. Participation will advance our understanding of how to make CAR T therapy safer and more effective for patients with solid tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to strategies that improve response rates and safety for solid tumor patients receiving CAR T therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in hematologic cancers show strong CAR T efficacy, but solid-tumor success remains limited, highlighting the need for this approach in solid tumors.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rech, Andrew John — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Rech, Andrew John
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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.