Project Term
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Project Summary
My group studies the mechanisms of relapse and toxicity after chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CART) immunotherapy to rationally design innovative next-generation immunotherapies for relapsed/refractory lymphomas. To achieve this goal, we use patient-derived samples, cutting-edge technologies, and translational models. The ultimate objective of my research is to establish novel clinical strategies to overcome relapses and improve the safety of our patients.
Lay Abstract
Blood cancers, like lymphoma, are challenging to treat when initial therapies fail, leaving patients with limited options. A promising approach is chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, where a patient’s immune cells are reprogrammed to detect and kill cancer cells. While revolutionary, CAR T-cell therapy faces two major challenges: resistance to treatment and severe side effects. This research aims to overcome these hurdles by creating next-generation CAR T-cell therapies that are both more effective and safer for patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant lymphoma.
The Problem and Goals
Resistance occurs when cancer cells evade immune detection, causing the therapy to fail. Additionally, serious side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurological issues, can occur, requiring hospitalization and limiting its broader use. Our goals are to develop CAR T-cells that better fight cancer and to design safer therapies with fewer side effects.
Innovative Approaches
To address resistance, we are creating CAR T-cells that can target two different cancer markers, making it harder for the cancer to escape. We are also developing a novel CAR T-cell that functions in challenging tumor environments where immune signaling is blocked.
To improve safety, we are designing CAR T-cells that distinguish between cancerous and healthy immune cells, reducing the risk of infections. Additionally, we are exploring ways to prevent severe immune reactions by targeting a specific immune protein called IL-5, which is linked to these side effects.
Potential Impact
This research will help patients with resistant lymphoma by providing therapies that are harder for cancer to evade. By minimizing side effects, we aim to make CAR T-cell therapy safer, improving access and outcomes for more patients. These advances could lead to clinical trials, offering new hope to individuals who currently have few options. The knowledge gained may also apply to other blood cancers, broadening the impact of our findings.
Program
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