A novel approach developed at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is showing promise in extending remission times for patients undergoing CAR T-cell therapy. The new technique, called CAR-enhancers or CAR-E, aims to keep CAR T-cells active longer, preventing relapse in patients with blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
Overcoming CAR T-Cell Exhaustion
CAR T-cell therapy involves extracting a patient's T-cells, genetically engineering them to target tumor cells, and then re-infusing them back into the patient. While this personalized approach has shown remarkable success, a significant challenge remains: the high rate of relapse. According to Mohammad Rashidian, PhD, of the Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, CAR T-cells often become exhausted, losing their ability to track down and kill cancer cells.
The CAR-E Approach
To address this, researchers have developed CAR-E, designed to maintain the activity of CAR T-cells and promote the formation of memory cells. "And ideally we want them to form memory so that they’ll ensure that the cancer will not relapse," explained Rashidian. This approach seeks to provide a more durable response, ensuring that the cancer does not return.
Clinical Trial Details
Researchers are working to make CAR T-cell therapies more accessible and safer, and to secure funding for clinical trials. A phase I clinical trial for the CAR-E therapy is set to commence, focusing on safety, dosage, and treatment schedule. The treatment will begin a month after CAR T-cell infusion and last for three to four weeks. CAR T-cell therapies are typically reserved for later stages of treatment due to their personalized nature, cost, and potential side effects. Furthermore, CAR T-cell therapies are not effective against solid tumors.
