showing multiple myeloma
Results of preclinical research indicate chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are effective against multiple myeloma (MM).
Researchers generated CAR T cells that target CS1, a molecule found on more than 95% of MM cells.
When injected in mice, these T cells could locate and destroy MM cells.
Jianhua Yu, PhD, of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center in Columbus, and his colleagues reported these results in Clinical Cancer Research.
“[O]ur study shows that we can modify T lymphocytes to target CS1 and that these cells efficiently destroy human multiple myeloma cells,” Dr Yu said.
“An important possible advantage to this approach is that these therapeutic T cells have the potential to replicate in the body, and, therefore, they might suppress tumor growth and prevent relapse for a prolonged period.”
Dr Yu and his colleagues used cell lines and cells from MM patients to produce CAR T cells targeting CS1. These cells could be expanded in the lab, and they efficiently recognized and eradicated MM cells in vitro and in vivo.
Compared to control T cells, the CAR T cells better recognized MM cells that overexpressed CS1, and they became more activated following the recognition.
In mice, the CAR T cells greatly reduced the tumor burden and prolonged overall survival. All mice that received CAR T cells were alive 44 days after treatment, compared to 29% and 17% of the mice in the study’s 2 control groups.
“Despite current drugs and use of bone marrow transplantation, multiple myeloma is still incurable, and almost all patients eventually relapse,” said study author Craig Hofmeister, MD, MPH, also of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.
“This study presents a novel strategy for treating multiple myeloma, and we hope to bring it to patients as part of a phase 1 clinical trial as soon as possible.”
