Using enhanced natural killer cells to treat lung cancer patients who don't respond to standard therapies
Official title: Phase 1 Evaluation of Enhanced Natural Killer Cells as a Treatment Strategy in Non-Small cell Lung Cancer Patients Refractory to PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11194340 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with non-small cell lung cancer who haven't had success with current immune treatments by boosting special immune cells called NK cells to better fight the cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $506,513 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA266457-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11194340 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with non-small cell lung cancer who have shown resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lung cancer who have not undergone treatment with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new treatment approach for patients with non-small cell lung cancer who have not responded to existing immune therapies. The focus is on enhancing natural killer (NK) cells, which are immune cells capable of targeting cancer without prior exposure to the tumor. By using a combination of specific cytokines and a PD-L1 inhibitor, the study aims to improve the effectiveness of NK cells in attacking cancer cells. Patients participating in this research may receive modified NK cells that have been engineered to better recognize and kill cancer cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option for lung cancer patients who currently have limited choices.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using enhanced NK cells and immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Villalona, Miguel a — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Villalona, Miguel a
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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.