Using modified T cells to target cancer cells in pancreatic tumors

Project 2: Combined CAR-T cell therapy

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-10911131

This study is testing a new treatment for pancreatic cancer that uses specially modified immune cells to find and attack cancer cells, and it's designed to be safe for patients while aiming to improve their treatment outcomes.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10911131 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new type of cancer treatment using CAR-T cell therapy specifically designed to target pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The approach involves modifying T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells that express the B7-H3 protein, which is found in a high percentage of PDAC cases. The study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of these modified T cells in patients with PDAC, including a built-in safety mechanism to control potential side effects. By addressing the challenges of targeting solid tumors, this research hopes to improve treatment outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who have limited treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of 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 provide a novel and effective treatment option for patients with pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results with CAR-T cell therapies in hematological malignancies, but this approach for solid tumors like PDAC is still being explored.

Where this research is happening

CHAPEL HILL, 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 →

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.