Using modified immune cells to treat advanced pancreatic cancer

Leveraging CD26high Meso-CAR T cells in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer

['FUNDING_R01'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-11019745

This study is testing a new CAR T cell therapy for people with advanced pancreatic cancer, using special T cells that might work better to fight the cancer, and it aims to see how well this treatment can boost the body's immune response against tumors.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorEMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11019745 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new type of CAR T cell therapy specifically for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. It utilizes a unique subset of T cells that express a molecule called CD26, which may enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. The approach includes an innovative method to expand these T cells using a drug that helps maintain their potency and ability to attack cancer cells. By testing this therapy in animal models, the researchers aim to improve the immune response against pancreatic tumors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who have not responded to standard treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those who do not have pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While CAR T cell therapy has shown promise in other cancers, this specific approach targeting pancreatic cancer with CD26+ T cells is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.

Where this research is happening

ATLANTA, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: advanced pancreatic cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.