BYU Develops MOTO-CAR Cancer Immunotherapy
Brigham Young University researchers have engineered a preclinical immunotechnology that reprograms macrophages to target solid tumors.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Cancer
Live Poll
Would you trust a new immunotherapy cancer treatment if your doctor recommended it?
Brigham Young University researchers developed MOTO-CAR, a technology that genetically engineers macrophages to recognize cancer markers and enter solid tumors. Early lab and mouse studies reported large reductions in tumor cells and size, though the research remains preclinical and unpublished.
Why it matters
The approach aims to turn a patient's own immune system against cancer rather than relying solely on direct cytotoxic treatments. If later trials confirm the early results, it could add a new option for solid tumors that are difficult to treat.
The figures come from preclinical in vitro and mouse studies rather than human trials, showing a 90% drop in aggressive lung cancer cells within 24 hours and up to a 46% tumor size reduction in mice. Whether these results will hold in patients has not been determined, and the findings have not yet been formally published.
The players
Brigham Young University
A private research university in Provo, Utah, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where the MOTO-CAR technology was developed.
Thunder Biotech
A research partner company founded in 2016 that holds licensed patents for the MOTO-CAR technology developed at Brigham Young University.
Kim O'Neill
The founder of Thunder Biotech, which was established in 2016 to commercialize licensed research from Brigham Young University.
The details
The treatment would begin with a tumor biopsy to identify the cancer type and biomarkers, after which a clinician would select a pre-engineered MOTO-CAR therapeutic and administer it, most likely through a simple infusion. Expected effects include flu-like symptoms around days three and four, with the immune system ideally in full force against the tumor by days 14 to 28.
Timeline
2016: Thunder Biotech was founded by Kim O'Neill as a research partner company.
Within five years: MOTO-CAR therapy could become a cancer treatment option if the FDA approves it.
Health Landscape
MOTO-CAR extends the chimeric antigen receptor approach used in CAR-T cell therapy, which has primarily succeeded against blood cancers, by engineering macrophages instead of T cells to target solid tumors. The approach is aimed at a category of cancers where CAR-T therapies have historically had limited success.
Patients with solid tumors may eventually have a new immunotherapy option, though it would require a biopsy and infusion-based administration. Expected short-term effects include flu-like symptoms during the first week, and availability depends on future FDA review.
The takeaway
Preclinical results are promising but early, and patients should consult oncologists about approved options. Watch for peer-reviewed publication and human trial data before assuming the therapy will reach clinics.
Further reading
Explore more cancer research coverage to see how new immunotherapies are being tested against tumors.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Salt Lake Tribune.
Live Poll
Would you trust a new immunotherapy cancer treatment if your doctor recommended it?
