Using advanced MRI to track immune cell therapy for lung cancer in children
Official title: Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI for imaging NK cell therapy of lung metastasis
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10832114 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help kids with cancer by using a special type of MRI to see how well a treatment using immune cells is working in fighting tumors like osteosarcoma, so we can make the treatment even better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $215,846 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA280799-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10832114 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pediatric patients diagnosed with solid tumors, particularly osteosarcoma, who are receiving NK cell immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not involve solid tumors or those who are not receiving NK cell therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving cancer treatment for pediatric patients by using a novel imaging technique called hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI. The goal is to visualize the distribution and migration of natural killer (NK) cells, which are being used as a therapy for solid tumors like osteosarcoma. By providing a non-invasive way to monitor these immune cells after they are administered, the research aims to enhance our understanding of how effective the therapy is and how it can be optimized. This approach addresses a critical gap in current cancer treatments, where tracking the therapeutic cells is challenging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective monitoring of NK cell therapies, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for children with cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been various imaging techniques explored for monitoring immunotherapy, the use of hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI specifically for this purpose is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sokolov, Konstantin V — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Sokolov, Konstantin V
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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.