Using patient-derived T cells to target pancreatic cancer after chemotherapy
Official title: A Phase 1 Study of Patient-Derived Multi-Tumor Associated Antigen Specific T Cells (MT-601) Administered to Patients with Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer following frontline FOLFIRINOX
Funded at Marker Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11006021 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment called MT-601, which uses specially modified T cells from your own blood to help fight metastatic pancreatic cancer after you've had FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy, with the hope of improving how well your body can target and control the cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marker Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $674,275 |
| NIH project number | 1R44CA295168-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006021 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer who have received frontline FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those who have not undergone FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel T cell therapy called MT-601, which is designed to target multiple tumor-associated antigens in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who have undergone initial treatment with FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy. The therapy utilizes T cells derived from the patient's own blood, which are then modified to enhance their ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. By focusing on the tumor microenvironment, the goal is to improve T cell infiltration and activation, ultimately leading to better control of tumor growth. Patients will be monitored for safety and effectiveness as the treatment progresses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, more effective treatment option for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, potentially extending survival beyond current standards.
How similar studies have gone: While immunotherapy has shown promise in hematologic cancers, its application in pancreatic cancer is still emerging, making this approach relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Marker Therapeutics, INC.
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vera, Juan Fernando — Marker Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Vera, Juan Fernando
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.