New Treatment Shows Promise in Slowing Aggressive Brain Tumors
A groundbreaking therapy has demonstrated remarkable results in the treatment of glioblastomas
A recently conducted clinical trial has revealed remarkable findings in the treatment of glioblastomas, an aggressive and currently incurable form of brain cancer. Researchers at the Mass General Cancer Centre in the United States conducted a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating a novel therapy known as CAR T-cell therapy. The results, although mixed, offer a hopeful glimmer of progress in the battle against this deadly disease.
A Regressive Response in Tumor Size
Brain scans of a 72-year-old man diagnosed with a highly aggressive glioblastoma showed a significant regression in the tumor’s size shortly after receiving an infusion of the innovative treatment. However, the outcomes for two other participants with similar diagnoses were less successful. Despite this, the demonstrated effectiveness in the case of the 72-year-old patient offers hope for the future eradication of this deadly disease.
The Deadliness of Glioblastomas
Glioblastomas are among the most lethal forms of cancer, claiming the lives of up to 95 percent of patients within a five-year timeframe. These tumors originate from supporting cells within the central nervous system and rapidly develop into aggressive and malignant masses.
The Promise of CAR T-cell Therapy
Researchers were inspired to investigate CAR T-cell therapy, a treatment based on harnessing the patient’s immune system, as a potential solution for glioblastomas. CAR T-cell therapy has already shown success in fighting blood cancers, as it equips T-cells with the ability to seek out and destroy cancer cells.
Enlisting a Local Bounty Hunter
During CAR T-cell therapy, T-cells are collected from the patient and genetically modified to recognize surface markers on the cancer cells. Once re-engineered, these T-cells are reintroduced to the patient’s body through an infusion. The modified T-cells then act as “bounty hunters” targeting and eliminating the cancerous cells.
A Molecular Disguise Challenge
Glioblastomas are notorious for their multiple disguises, making the re-engineering process a challenge. However, scientists have discovered a way to tackle this obstacle by encouraging CAR T-cells to produce antibodies that identify a common marker found on glioblastomas. These antibodies provide an additional identifying feature for the T-cells, enhancing the therapy’s effectiveness.
Positive Preclinical Results
Preclinical laboratory trials of the T-cell-engaging antibody molecule (TEAM) therapy have demonstrated its effectiveness at the tumor site, recruiting other regulatory T-cells to join the fight against cancer cells.
Phase 1 Clinical Trial
The Intraventricular CARv3-TEAM-E T-Cells in Patients with Glioblastoma (INCIPIENT) trial was designed to assess the safety and potential of CAR T-cell therapy as a glioblastoma treatment. The trial included three patients diagnosed with glioblastomas expressing the selected tumor marker. The results, although not definitive, provide an essential foundation for further exploration.
Varied Outcomes and Limited Side Effects
During the trial, the first patient, a 74-year-old man, experienced a significant reduction in tumor size just a day after receiving the infusion. However, the cancer eventually progressed. Similarly, a 57-year-old woman saw near-complete regression of her glioblastoma, only to have the cancer resurface a month later. Nonetheless, the remarkable case of the third participant, a 72-year-old patient, showed no signs of the cancer regressing. Side effects of the treatment were minimal, limited to a short-lived fever and temporary nodules appearing in the lungs.
A Promising New Area of Research
The results of the INCIPIENT trial demonstrate the concept that multiple surface markers can be successfully targeted simultaneously using CAR T-cells, confirming that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a suitable immunotherapeutic target for glioblastomas. While it is too early to label this treatment as a cure, it offers a glimmer of hope to patients diagnosed with this otherwise fatal disease. Further clinical trials and in-depth studies promise to build upon these findings and refine the treatment’s efficacy.
Achievements and Future Prospects
Published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the results of the INCIPIENT trial represent a significant step forward in the fight against glioblastomas. The potential of CAR T-cell therapy in treating this formidable disease provides hope for patients and generates new avenues for future research and clinical trials. With the right course of continued investigation, the ability to deliver effective treatment options and a glimmer of hope to those battling glioblastomas may not be too far from reach.
