Using exercise to enhance immune cell therapies for blood cancers
Official title: Exercise as an Immune Adjuvant for Gamma Delta T-cell Therapies in Hematologic Malignancies
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11076207 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exercise might help boost a special cancer treatment for patients with blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, especially those who have had a relapse after a stem cell transplant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $630,238 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA277493-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076207 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with hematologic malignancies, particularly those who have experienced a relapse after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with solid tumors or those who are not eligible for T-cell therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exercise can improve the effectiveness of gamma delta T-cell therapies for patients with hematologic malignancies, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The approach involves mobilizing immune cells through exercise or a specific drug, then enhancing their cancer-fighting abilities by equipping them with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). By understanding how physical activity influences these immune cells, the research aims to develop a more effective treatment option for patients who have relapsed after stem cell transplantation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies for patients with certain types of blood cancers, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of exercise as an immune adjuvant is a novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in enhancing immune responses, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simpson, Richard J — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Simpson, Richard J
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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.