Using modified immune cells to treat certain blood cancers

Chimeric antigen receptor-modified iNKT cell therapy for CD7+ malignancies

['FUNDING_SBIR_1'] · TINKESO THERAPEUTICS INC · NIH-10603279

This study is testing a new therapy using specially modified immune cells to help people with certain types of blood cancers, like T-cell leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia, and aims to see if this approach can work better and be safer than current treatments.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_SBIR_1']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorTINKESO THERAPEUTICS INC (nih funded)
Locations1 site (YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10603279 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new type of therapy using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells to treat patients with specific blood cancers, such as T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The approach aims to overcome challenges faced by traditional CAR-T cell therapies, particularly the issue of self-destruction of the modified cells. By utilizing CRISPR technology, the researchers plan to create a non-edited, CD7 CAR-modified iNKT cell product that can be expanded from healthy donors and tested for its effectiveness against cancer cells. Patients will be monitored for the safety and efficacy of this innovative treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with relapsed or refractory T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia or acute myeloid leukemia.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancers or those who do not have T-ALL or AML may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients with relapsed or refractory T-ALL and AML.

How similar studies have performed: While CAR-T therapies have shown success in treating certain blood cancers, this specific approach using iNKT cells and CRISPR technology is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.

Where this research is happening

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, 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: Cancers, neoplasm/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.