Using engineered T cells to treat gastro-esophageal cancer

HORMAD-specific TGF-beta resistant memory T cells for treatment of patients with Gastro-esophageal Cancer

NIH-funded research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10931656

This study is testing a new treatment for gastro-esophageal cancer that uses special immune cells from your own blood to better fight the cancer, aiming to make these cells stronger and longer-lasting so they can target a specific part of the tumor.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10931656 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel therapy for gastro-esophageal cancer by utilizing memory T cells derived from patients' own blood. The approach involves creating T cells that can persist longer in the body and resist tumor defenses, specifically targeting a cancer antigen known as HORMAD1. By using advanced techniques to modify these T cells and counteract the tumor's immune evasion mechanisms, the research aims to enhance the effectiveness of adoptive cell therapy for patients with advanced cancer. The project combines expertise in T cell therapy, epigenetics, and clinical trials to address significant challenges in treating this type of cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced gastro-esophageal cancer who have not responded well to standard treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage gastro-esophageal cancer or those who do not express the HORMAD1 antigen may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with gastro-esophageal cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using engineered T cells for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Advanced Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.