As cancer diagnoses are projected to exceed 2 million cases in 2025, researchers are intensifying efforts to combat refractory cancers that resist traditional treatments. A pioneering study at Florida International University's Dimitroff Lab is exploring how complex sugars, known as glycans, could hold the key to enhancing the effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy.
Lee Seng Lau, a research assistant and McKnight Fellow, is working under the guidance of glycobiology expert Charles J. Dimitroff to understand the intricate relationship between glycans and cancer cell immune evasion. Their research focuses on how cancer cells utilize glycans to circumvent the body's immune response, particularly in the context of CAR-T cell therapy.
Understanding Glycan's Role in Cancer Immunity
The research team is investigating the fundamental mechanisms by which glycans enable cancer cells to develop adaptive immune resistance. This understanding is crucial for improving current immunotherapy approaches, particularly CAR-T cell therapy, which has emerged as a promising treatment for various cancers.
Advancing CAR-T Cell Therapy
CAR-T cell therapy represents a significant advancement in personalized cancer treatment. The process involves:
- Extracting a patient's immune cells
- Genetically engineering them to express Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) molecules
- Reinfusing the modified cells back into the patient's body
These engineered cells are designed to specifically target and destroy cancer cells, offering hope for patients with refractory cancers.
Innovation in Treatment Optimization
Lau's research is specifically focused on addressing the current limitations of CAR-T cell therapy. By leveraging their understanding of glycan biology, the team is developing modifications to:
- Extend the persistence of CAR-T cells in the body
- Reduce severe side effects associated with the treatment
- Enhance overall treatment efficacy
Early collaboration with Dr. Manmeet Ahluwalia and Dr. Guenther Koehne at Baptist Hospital has yielded promising results, suggesting potential clinical applications for this innovative approach.
The research represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenges faced by cancer patients who don't respond to initial treatments or develop resistance during therapy. As the medical community continues to seek more effective treatments for refractory cancers, this glycan-based approach could provide new hope for improving patient outcomes.
