Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health Physician-Scientist Receives V Foundation for Cancer Research Award to Advance Studies in Next-Generation Immunotherapy Treatment for HPV-associated Cancers

New Brunswick, NJ, April 14, 2026–Christian Hinrichs, MD, Co-Director of the Duncan and Nancy MacMillan Cancer Immunology and Metabolism Center of Excellence and Chief of the Section of Cancer Immunotherapy, RWJBarnabas Health, has been awarded a four-year, $800,000 translational research grant from the V Foundation for Cancer Research to develop next-generation immunotherapies for cancers caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV).HPV is a leading cause of several cancer types, including cervical, throat, and anal cancers. 

Dr. Hinrichs’s research group has pioneered T cell therapies that target HPV in these cancers. However, current T cell therapies require custom manufacturing for each individual patient, limiting their accessibility. The V Foundation-funded project aims to overcome this barrier by developing treatments that can be produced at scale.

Dr. Hinrichs recently disclosed initial findings from a Phase II clinical trial of a genetically engineered T cell therapy targeting HPV, where six out of 10 patients achieved substantial tumor shrinkage, including two complete tumor regressions. Building on this clinical progress, the V Foundation-funded project will develop T cell receptor-based T cell engagers (TCR-TCEs), a new class of immunotherapy. TCR-TCEs are fusion proteins that redirect a patient’s own immune cells to attack cancer. Unlike personalized cell therapies, TCR-TCEs can be manufactured in large batches, stored, and administered to patients when needed.

.The goal of this research is to develop a broadly accessible treatment for cancers caused by HPV,” said Dr. Christian Hinrichs. “By developing ‘off-the-shelf’ immunotherapies that are more available and cost effective, we hope to deliver our T cell-based treatments to more patients.”

“This research is just one recent example of the groundbreaking work underway at Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute - designated Comprehensive Cancer Center together with RWJBarnabas Health,” said Steven K. Libutti, MD, FACS, William N. Hait Director of Rutgers Cancer Institute and Senior Vice President, Oncology Services, RWJBarnabas Health. “Institutions like ours unite scientific expertise, clinical excellence, and a collaborative environment to rapidly turn discoveries into patient care.”###

About Rutgers Cancer Institute

As New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute, together with RWJBarnabas Health, provides patients access to the most advanced treatment options including clinical trials close to home at our facilities throughout the state. Our groundbreaking cancer research is the engine that drives access to the most advanced cancer treatments, where our discoveries become your care. This has been enhanced with the opening of the state’s first and only freestanding cancer hospital, the Jack and Sheryl Morris Cancer Center. Visit: cinj.org.

About RWJBarnabas Health

RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.

RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute — the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

RWJBarnabas Health partners with its communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate manner and is the state’s largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.

RWJBarnabas Health partners with its communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate manner and is the state’s largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable. RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute — the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers, with more than 45,000 employees, contributing more than $7 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org

About the V Foundation for Cancer Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach, ESPN commentator and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The V Foundation has funded over $458 million in game-changing cancer research grants in North America through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations is awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to funding the best scientists to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. To learn more, visit v.org.

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