Researchers at the Brisbane QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute have developed immune cells that could improve glioblastoma survival by fighting the deadly brain cancer and preventing its recurrence.
The researchers have developed a promising CAR-T cell immunotherapy genetically engineered to target and destroy glioblastoma cancer cells.
Lead researcher Professor Rajiv Khanna AO said early preclinical results suggested that the CAR-T cells could kill tumour cells and potentially prevent the cancer from returning.
"This therapy specifically targets cancer cells to prevent disease recurrence, which would be a breakthrough for patients with this deadly disease," said Professor Khanna.
"Primary brain cancer can often be managed if recurrence is prevented. Unfortunately, once brain cancer recurs, the current life expectancy is typically less than six months. Our goal is to prevent recurrence by treating the disease at its earliest stage."
The results have been published in the Journal of ImmunoTherapy for Cancer.
"These findings are hugely encouraging for the future of cancer treatment. Preclinical results suggest that these killer CAR-T cells can eliminate treatment-resistant tumour cells within the brain by attaching to and destroying newly formed cancerous blood vessels and stem cells," said Professor Khanna.
The CAR T cells are equipped with a unique tool that helps them find and attack a protein called EphA3, commonly found in glioblastoma tumours.
Dr Paulo Martins from QIMR Berghofer said this method could also revolutionize the treatment of other cancers.
"This new approach could also help fight other EphA3-positive cancers, including breast, lung, prostate, melanoma, and some blood cancers by preventing metastatic or recurrent tumours," said Dr Martins.
The research is expected to proceed to a phase 1 clinical trial involving patients with EphA3-positive glioblastoma.
The trial will be conducted in collaboration with neurosurgeon Professor David Walker from the Newro Foundation and Briz Brain & Spine and is expected to start within the next year.
"Our long-term goal is to take this cell therapy from early phase development right through to the clinic, helping to save lives," said Professor Khanna.
QIMR Berghofer's spinout company, Cyteph, will advance the development of the EphA3 CAR-T cells.
The Tour de Cure and the Australian Government's Medical Research Future Fund funded the preclinical study. Cyteph is funded by CUREator, Australia's national biotech incubator.
