Using engineered immune cells to treat solid tumors
Advancing allogeneic CAR-iNKT for the treatment of solid tumors through comparative oncology
This study is looking at a new way to use special immune cells to help treat solid tumors, aiming to create a safe and effective treatment option for patients who have been struggling with traditional therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10914179 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of allogeneic CAR-engineered invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells to treat solid tumors, which have been challenging to address with traditional CAR-T therapies. The approach focuses on overcoming the hostile tumor microenvironment that often hinders the effectiveness of conventional T cells. By utilizing iNKTs, which have a natural ability to target tumors without causing graft-versus-host disease, the research aims to develop a universal treatment option that can be readily available for patients. The study will explore safety, optimal dosing, and the best preconditioning regimens to enhance the persistence and efficacy of these engineered cells in solid tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pediatric and adult patients with solid tumors who have not responded to conventional therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with blood cancers or those who are not eligible for experimental therapies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients with solid tumors, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown promise in using iNKTs for tumor treatment, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mason, Nicola J — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Mason, Nicola J
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.