New Zealand's pioneering CAR T-cell therapy clinical trial is expanding its reach, offering new hope to blood cancer patients across the country. The Malaghan Institute announced the extension of its Phase 2 clinical trial to Christchurch and Auckland City hospitals, marking a significant advancement in the nation's cancer treatment capabilities.
Expanding Access to Revolutionary Treatment
Dr. Robert Weinkove, Clinical Director at the Malaghan Institute, emphasizes the significance of this expansion: "This is an exciting step for this national endeavour, as we prepare the New Zealand health system to deliver this game-changing cancer treatment." The outpatient-based treatment approach could address urgent unmet needs while minimizing pressure on the healthcare system.
The trial, which commenced at Wellington Hospital in July 2024, targets adults with relapsed large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The program has already enrolled nine patients, with enrollment expected to accelerate as new treatment sites become operational.
Advanced Manufacturing and Treatment Process
CAR T-cell therapy represents a breakthrough in personalized medicine, involving the modification of patients' own immune cells (T-cells) in laboratory conditions to specifically target and eliminate cancer cells. BioOra Limited, the institute's manufacturing partner, has implemented automated production processes for the modified CAR T-cells, positioning the program for efficient scaling.
Clinical Impact and Future Prospects
Dr. Amy Holmes, a haematologist and trial investigator at Christchurch Hospital, notes that while CAR T-cell therapy is internationally recognized as a standard of care for certain blood cancers, access within New Zealand has been limited. "The expansion of the ENABLE-2 trial to sites in Auckland and Christchurch will greatly increase access and equity across Aotearoa," she explains.
The trial aims to treat 60 patients over a two-year period, with the potential to establish CAR T-cell therapy as a standard treatment option in New Zealand's public health system. The Malaghan Institute and BioOra are actively working on integrating manufacturing, distribution, and health services to ensure smooth implementation if the trial proves successful.
Collaborative Support
The program has garnered substantial support from various organizations, including the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Freemasons NZ, the Health Research Council, and several other foundations and private donors. This broad-based funding support underscores the national commitment to advancing innovative cancer treatments in New Zealand.
