Using engineered natural killer cells to treat bone cancer
Official title: Genome Engineered Natural Killer Cell Immunotherapy against Human Osteosarcoma
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10887434 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for bone cancer called osteosarcoma by using specially modified immune cells that can better find and kill cancer cells, aiming to offer a safer and more effective option for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2021 |
| Project end | August 15, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $46,683 |
| NIH project number | 5F30OD030021-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887434 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma who have not responded to standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not diagnosed with osteosarcoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new immunotherapy using genetically modified natural killer (NK) cells to target and kill osteosarcoma cells, a type of bone cancer. The approach involves engineering NK cells to enhance their ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells, potentially overcoming some limitations of traditional CAR-T cell therapies. By utilizing NK cells, which can attack tumors without the complications associated with T cells, this research aims to provide a safer and more effective treatment option for patients. The study will explore how these engineered NK cells can be used in a clinical setting to improve outcomes for patients with osteosarcoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel and effective treatment for patients with osteosarcoma, improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using engineered NK cells in cancer therapies, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robbins, Gabrielle Matilde — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Robbins, Gabrielle Matilde
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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.