Using engineered T cells to treat gastro-esophageal cancer
Official title: HORMAD-specific TGF-beta resistant memory T cells for treatment of patients with Gastro-esophageal Cancer
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10931656 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| 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 | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,310,673 |
| NIH project number | 5UG3CA283615-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931656 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced gastro-esophageal cancer who have not responded well to standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage gastro-esophageal cancer or those who do not express the HORMAD1 antigen may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
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University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yee, Cassian — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Yee, Cassian
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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.