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All-in-one for myeloma: a single therapy to combine CAR T cells and bispecific antibodies to engage both innate and adaptive immune responses

This project is designed to develop a novel cell therapy to treat relapse/refractory multiple myeloma (MM), an incurable cancer. We target BCMA, a protein highly expressed on MM compared to normal cells, with CAR T cells that also secrete a bispecific antibody that can engage all cytolytic cells, including various endogenous T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and NKT cells to kill MM cells. We aim to complete all preclinical studies so that the therapy is ready for future clinical studies.

Improving CAR T-cell Therapy Efficacy in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia by Optimizing Design and Placement

Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that is resistant to standard therapy is a challenge that has been partially overcome by T-cell therapy, yet relapse still occurs in up to 50%. We are conducting two clinical trials that test a next-generation T-cell therapy and the first incorporation of T-cell therapy into initial therapy. These trials will inform future development and the optimal place for this therapy with the goal of improving cure rates for children with very high risk ALL.

Novel CD7 CAR T-cells for refractory T-cell malignancies affecting pediatric and AYA patients

T-cell leukemias and lymphomas have devastating outcomes if they recur after or don’t respond to standard treatment, with the only hope of cure being bone marrow transplant (BMT). Unfortunately, many pediatric, adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients are unable to achieve clinical remission (and thus unable to proceed to BMT) with standard salvage therapies, which are often even more toxic than upfront therapies.

Mitochondrial reprogramming to restore age-driven dysfunction in T cell and boost CAR-T cell therapy

In the Cancer Immunology field, the “aging” variable has not been investigated profoundly yet, even though aging is the first factor associated to cancer. This represents a major limitation on the significance of the experimental results and their translation to the clinic. We believe that with our proposal we can shade light on important biological processes which drive immunotherapy failure. We have shown that T cell function is dependent not only on the differentiation state but also on their biological age.

2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine: Unleashing the Immune System

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded today to two scientists whose groundbreaking work led to the development of a class of immunotherapies called checkpoint inhibitors that work by releasing the brakes on the immune system.

Smiling Girl with Cancer

Ushering In a New Era of Pediatric Blood Cancer Treatment and Care

We caught up with Gwen Nichols, MD, Chief Medical Officer at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), to share the progress we’re making to bring cures and better care to children with blood cancer through The LLS Children’s Initiative.

 

Tell us about The LLS Children’s Initiative and why it’s so important to you and LLS.

Brentuximab vedotin

Brentuximab vedotin is FDA approved for the treatment of:

Tiffany surrounded by her family and friends at a Light The Night event

Blood Cancer Survivors Find Special Meaning and Connection as Employee Champions of LLS Light the Night Events

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is proud of our continuing partnership with Gilead and Kite Oncology as the National Presenting Sponsor of Celebration and Community at Light The Night events across the U.S. helping bring people together and raise critical funds to support patients and their families. 

Hiker looking at mountain

Helping Survivors Lead Longer Better Lives

Late last year I had the privilege of attending a special screening of the documentary American Symphony. The film chronicles the experiences of writer Suleika Jaouad and her husband musician Jon Batiste after learning that her acute myeloid leukemia (AML) had returned after years of remission. The movie shows how the couple navigates uncertainty, treatment, and their new normal afterwards.