Using modified immune cells and pembrolizumab to treat advanced lung cancer

Intratumoral Administration of CCL21-gene Modified Dendritic Cell With Intravenous Pembrolizumab for Advanced NSCLC

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10857290

This study is looking at a new way to help people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer by using specially modified immune cells and a medication called pembrolizumab to boost the body's ability to fight the cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-10857290 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of genetically modified dendritic cells, which are a type of immune cell, administered directly into tumors, combined with the drug pembrolizumab, to treat patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The approach aims to enhance the body's immune response against cancer cells by utilizing these modified cells to better present tumor antigens. Patients will be monitored for their response to this treatment, which may involve a phase I clinical trial to assess safety and effectiveness. The research is being conducted at UCLA, where the principal investigator has extensive experience in lung cancer immunotherapy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who have not responded adequately to existing therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage lung cancer or those who have not been diagnosed with lung cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new and more effective treatment option for patients with advanced lung cancer who currently have limited options.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar immunotherapy approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, 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.
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.