Funded by the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund
Treatment of childhood cancers is tough. However, our recent success rate has improved. This is because of our ability to redirect the immune system to attack cancer cells. These advances have resulted in many cures. However, success has not been perfect. Relapses continue. Further, we know the risk of cancer increases when immune cells go away. Or when the cells do not function properly. It has also become clear that knowing the energy pathways used by immune cells is vital. This knowledge can help predict how well our treatment will work. However, it has been challenging to reprogram immune cells. Many treatments restrict cell growth. Or limit cell number. In our studies, we discovered a new way to reprogram cancer-targeting immune cells. Our method improves their anti-cancer properties. Without limiting cell growth. Or function. We believe that these beneficial changes will increase the chance of a successful treatment. Especially when immune cells are given back to children with high-risk leukemia. In the current application, we will test our new treatment in many ways. We will test immune cells recovered from leukemia patients. We will compare our approach to similar treatment strategies. We will define whether immune cells need to stick around. And, we will extend our studies into ‘real world scenarios’. Together, we hope to bring our treatment to patients with high-risk leukemia. Within the next five years.
