Using the thymus to improve cancer treatment with specialized immune cells
Harnessing the thymus for long-term tumor control with hematopoietic stem cell-derived naive CAR T cells
['FUNDING_R37'] · HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11017697
This study is exploring a new way to improve cancer treatment for kids and young adults by using the thymus gland to create special immune cells that can better fight cancer and last longer in the body.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HACKENSACK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11017697 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing cancer treatment by utilizing the thymus gland to generate long-lasting immune cells known as CAR T cells. These cells are engineered to specifically target cancer cells, aiming to provide better and more durable responses in patients, particularly in pediatric and young adult populations facing high-risk cancers. The approach involves a minimally invasive procedure to inject modified stem cells into the thymus, which acts as a bioreactor to produce these specialized immune cells over time. This innovative method seeks to overcome the challenges of current CAR T cell therapies, which often struggle with maintaining effectiveness in the long term.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pediatric and young adult cancer patients with high-risk malignancies who have undergone initial chemotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with low-risk cancers or those who have not undergone chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and long-lasting cancer treatments, reducing the risk of relapse in patients.
How similar studies have performed: While CAR T cell therapies have shown promise, this specific approach of using the thymus for sustained immune cell production is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
HACKENSACK, UNITED STATES
- HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER — HACKENSACK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZAKRZEWSKI, JOHANNES — HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: ZAKRZEWSKI, JOHANNES
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 below.
Conditions: Anti-Cancer Agents, anti-cancer drug, anti-cancer immunotherapy, anti-cancer therapy