A new preclinical study has identified a method to extend the lifespan and effectiveness of CAR-T cells, immune cells engineered to fight cancer. This breakthrough could address a major limitation of CAR-T therapy, which has been highly effective against certain blood cancers but loses efficacy over time and fails against solid tumors.
CAR-T therapy has transformed the treatment of blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. However, its benefits are often temporary, as the cells can become exhausted or lose their cancer-fighting ability. The new research, details of which were not fully disclosed in the announcement, suggests a way to overcome these hurdles, potentially expanding the therapy’s use to solid tumors and prolonging remission in blood cancers.
The study’s findings are particularly relevant as numerous academic institutions and companies, including Calidi Biotherapeutics Inc. (NYSE American: CLDI), are working on improving CAR-T technology. Calidi is developing off-the-shelf, allogeneic stem cell-based platforms to deliver therapeutic agents, including CAR-T cells, for cancer treatment. The company’s approach aims to enhance the persistence and activity of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment.
‘This preclinical breakthrough comes at a time when numerous academic institutions and for-profit entities like Calidi Biotherapeutics Inc. are also making their own advancements,’ the press release noted.
The implications of this research are significant. If the method proves effective in clinical trials, it could lead to more durable responses in patients, reduce the need for repeated infusions, and make CAR-T therapy a viable option for a broader range of cancers. Solid tumors, which account for about 90% of all cancers, have been particularly resistant to CAR-T therapy due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
Extending the lifespan of CAR-T cells could also lower the cost of treatment, as fewer doses may be required. Currently, CAR-T therapy can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per patient, limiting access.
The research was highlighted by BioMedWire, a communications platform focused on biotechnology and life sciences. BioMedWire is part of the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @IBN, which provides wire solutions, editorial syndication to over 5,000 outlets, press release enhancement, and social media distribution. The company noted that it offers tailored corporate communications solutions to help private and public companies reach investors, influencers, consumers, journalists, and the general public.
While the study is still preclinical, it represents a step forward in addressing key challenges in cancer immunotherapy. Further research and clinical trials will be needed to confirm these findings in humans.
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