Using specialized immune cells to treat neuroblastoma in children
Official title: CAR NKT Cell Immunotherapy of Neuroblastoma
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11115581 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help children with neuroblastoma by using specially modified immune cells to better find and fight the cancer, and so far, it seems safe and promising!
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $367,144 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA262250-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11115581 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with neuroblastoma who have not responded to standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not eligible for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer T cells (NKTs) to target and treat neuroblastoma, a type of cancer primarily affecting children. The approach involves modifying NKTs to enhance their ability to recognize and attack tumor cells. The study includes a clinical trial where these engineered cells are administered to children with neuroblastoma to assess their safety and effectiveness. Preliminary results suggest that this treatment is well-tolerated and shows promise in fighting the cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new and effective immunotherapy option for children with neuroblastoma.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using CAR-T cell therapies for blood cancers, but this approach with CAR-NKTs in solid tumors like neuroblastoma is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Metelitsa, Leonid S — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Metelitsa, Leonid S
Related research
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Targeting KAT6A/B to boost GD2 immunotherapy against neuroblastoma
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CAR-NKT Cells to Treat Neuroblastoma in Children
This grant funds research to develop CAR-NKT cell therapy for children with neuroblastoma, aiming to improve tumor killing and help those with resistant disease.
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Investigating immune factors affecting treatment outcomes in neuroblastoma among different racial groups
This study is looking into why Black children with neuroblastoma don't do as well with a specific treatment compared to White children, focusing on how certain immune cells might affect the treatment's success, and it aims to find out more about the reasons behind these differences so that all kids can get better care.
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Boosting immune response to fight cancer
This study is exploring a new way to help your immune system better fight cancer by tweaking certain cells in your body, and it aims to improve treatment for people with advanced cancer.
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A center focused on immunotherapy for pediatric cancers.
This study is exploring new ways to use the body's immune system to fight childhood cancers, aiming to create better treatments for kids whose cancers haven't responded well to standard therapies.
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Algorithms to find HLA-E neoantigens for cancer immunotherapy
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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.