Understanding why some advanced cancers don't respond to immunotherapy
PD-1/PD-L1 modulation in cancer therapy
This research aims to understand why many patients with advanced cancer do not respond to certain immune-boosting treatments, or why their cancer sometimes comes back after treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11045081 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Immunotherapy drugs that block PD-1 and PD-L1 have helped many patients with advanced cancers by unleashing the body's own immune system to fight cancer cells. However, these treatments don't work for everyone, and some patients who initially respond later experience a return of their cancer. This project seeks to uncover the reasons behind this resistance, exploring why some cancers are particularly difficult to treat with these therapies. By understanding these mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to make immunotherapy more effective for more patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for patients with advanced cancers who are currently receiving or have received PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies, especially those who have not responded or have relapsed.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancer types are not typically treated with PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy or those with very early-stage cancers may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies or combination therapies that help more patients with advanced cancer benefit from immunotherapy, potentially improving treatment outcomes and survival.
How similar studies have performed: PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies have already shown significant success and FDA approval for many advanced solid tumors, making this research an extension of a proven approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pardoll, Drew M. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Pardoll, Drew M.
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.