Research And Grants
Children's National Medical Center – $1,000,000 (Installment 1 of 4)
Dalia Haydar
Grant Amount
$250,000.00 USD
Date
October 2026
Research Type
Translational
Cancer Type
DIPG/DMG
SPARC‑T: Spatially Programmed and Remotely Controlled CAR T-Cell Immunotherapy for Pediatric Brain Tumors
We are developing a new generation of CAR T-cell therapy that can be controlled in real time. Instead of staying constantly active, these CAR T-cells can be switched “on” only at the tumor and “off” in healthy brain tissue. Using focused ultrasound—a safe, noninvasive technology—doctors can guide exactly where the treatment works.
Our goal is not just to fight the cancer, but to protect the child. If successful, this approach could make CAR T-cell therapy safer, more precise, and available to more children—and could transform how this powerful therapy is used across many cancers.