Using special antibodies to activate T cells against leukemia
Official title: Tumor-site activated T cell redirecting autoantibodies
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11119472 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new type of treatment using special antibodies that help your immune system fight acute B-lymphocytic leukemia by connecting your T cells directly to the cancer cells, which could make the treatment work better and require less medicine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $216,682 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA301137-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11119472 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with acute B-lymphocytic leukemia who are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with solid tumors or those not diagnosed with acute B-lymphocytic leukemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of bispecific antibodies that can bind to both T cells and cancer cells, specifically targeting acute B-lymphocytic leukemia. By bringing these two types of cells closer together, the antibodies aim to enhance the immune system's ability to clear cancer cells more effectively. The approach focuses on improving specificity and reducing the required dosage compared to traditional antibody therapies, potentially leading to better patient outcomes. The study builds on previous successes with similar therapies, aiming to address challenges in targeting tumor-associated antigens.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and less toxic treatments for patients with acute B-lymphocytic leukemia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with bispecific antibodies in treating various cancers, indicating a strong potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsourkas, Andrew — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Tsourkas, Andrew
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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.