Using modified immune cells to target ovarian cancer

Phase I clinical trial of adoptive transfer of autologous folate receptor-alpha redirected CAR T cells for ovarian cancer

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10828349

This study is testing a new way to treat ovarian cancer by using your own immune cells to target a specific protein found in many ovarian cancer cases, and it's designed for patients whose cancer has come back and who have high levels of this protein.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10828349 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new treatment for ovarian cancer by using CAR T cells that are specifically designed to target a protein called folate receptor-alpha, which is found in a high percentage of ovarian cancer cases. The approach involves taking a patient's own immune cells, modifying them in the lab to recognize and attack cancer cells, and then reintroducing them into the patient's body. The study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of this treatment in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer who have high levels of this protein. By exploring this innovative therapy, the research seeks to provide a new option for patients who have limited treatment choices.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with recurrent ovarian cancer who express high levels of folate receptor-alpha.

Not a fit: Patients without recurrent ovarian cancer or those whose tumors do not express folate receptor-alpha may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer a new, effective treatment option for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with CAR T cell therapies in other cancers, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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.