Kunle Odunsi: A New T-Cell Strategy Takes Aim at Advanced Solid Tumors

Kunle Odunsi, Director of Comprehensive Cancer Center at University of Chicago Medicine, shared on LinkedIn:

“We recently launched a Phase 1/2A clinical trial testing a novel approach to cell therapy in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Unlike in existing CAR T-cell therapies, where engineered receptors recognize proteins on the surface of cancer cells, we are using specially engineered T-cell receptors that allow immune cells to detect a cancer protein called NY-ESO-1, which is found inside cancer cells but not normal tissue.

Another unique feature of the therapy is that immune cells will be genetically modified to block TGF-beta, the signaling molecule that normally suppresses immune responses and contributes to T-cell exhaustion inside tumors.  We anticipate this combination could produce a stronger and longer-lasting immune response.

This study was designed by Dr. Richard Koya, who spent many years developing the science that led to this treatment.

We are especially proud of this investigator-initiated trial because the cell manufacturing will take place entirely inside the walls of UChicago, in our GMP facility, under the leadership of Dr. Thinle Chodon. Recruitment for the trial will be led by Dr. Daniel Olson in our clinics.

Ever since I came to UChicago, I have been continuously amazed by the relentless, intrepid and creative minds that are tackling the world’s toughest challenges — and this is no exception.”

Read the announcement.

More about the novel approach:

• Doctors will collect the patient’s white blood cells and administer decitabine to increase production of the cancer protein NY-ESO-1.
• Researchers will genetically engineer the patient’s immune cells with a T-cell receptor that recognizes NY-ESO-1 and a modification that blocks TGF-beta, which suppresses immune responses and contributes to T-cell exhaustion.
• The enhanced immune cells will be infused back into the patient intravenously, alongside a low dose of interleukin-2 to help the engineered T cells multiply and remain active.
• Researchers believe this combination could produce a stronger and longer-lasting immune response by addressing the hostile tumor environment that weakens cancer-fighting immune cells.

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