Bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) supplied via modified T cells are used in preclinical research at Roswell Park.
Researchers at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed an innovative approach to treat ovarian cancer. Using bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) and engineered T cells, the team aims to augment the host immune response. Although traditional adoptive T-cell therapy has shown limited efficacy in ovarian cancer, the new method seeks to harness both infused and bystander T cells, opening a promising pathway for treatment.
Key Points:
- The novel technique focuses on delivering T cells that secrete BiTEs to target folate receptor alpha (FRα), commonly found in ovarian cancer.
- Researchers have created FR-B T cells using retroviral transduction, instructing them to target FRα-positive cancer cells.
- In preclinical studies, FR-B T cells efficiently destroyed FRα+ cell lines and rallied bystander T cells, maintaining activity outside the tumor for prolonged periods.
Additional Points:
- The study was published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (JITC), led by Dr. A. J. Robert McGray, the principal investigator.
- Dr. Emese Zsiros, Chair of Roswell Park’s Department of Gynecologic Oncology, was the senior author.
- A clinical trial is being planned to further evaluate this T-cell therapy.
Conclusion:
- The novel approach of using BiTE-secreting T cells presents a promising opportunity to enhance immunotherapy in ovarian cancer, potentially offering new therapeutic options for a disease that has been historically challenging to treat.
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