DUAL-TARGET CAR-T THERAPY: NEW HOPE AGAINST RECURRENT GLIOBLASTOM
As we know, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is known for its aggressiveness and its high tendency to recur after standard treatments, which include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The prognosis for patients with recurrent GBM is often poor, with an average survival ranging from 6 to 10 months. In recent years, research has focused on innovative approaches to address this challenge, including immunotherapy with CAR-T cells.
Recently, a team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania developed a dual-target CAR-T therapy that targets two specific antigens expressed on glioblastoma tumor cells: the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and interleukin-13 receptor alpha 2 (IL13Rα2). This strategy aims to overcome the heterogeneity of the tumor, which often contributes to treatment resistance. The therapy was administered directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, allowing CAR-T cells to more effectively reach the tumor site.
In a Phase I clinical study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and published in Nature Medicine, 18 patients with recurrent GBM received the dual-target CAR-T therapy. Among the 13 patients with measurable tumors at the time of infusion, 8 (62%) showed a reduction in tumor size. Although the tumor reoccurred after 2-3 months in many cases, some patients maintained stable disease for more than a year, with one patient in particular showing stability for over 16 months.
These results represent a significant advancement in the fight against glioblastoma. The ability of dual-target CAR-T therapy to reduce tumor size in a significant percentage of patients suggests that immunotherapy could become an essential component in GBM treatment. However, the limited duration of response observed in many patients indicates the need for further research to enhance the persistence and efficacy of CAR-T cells.
Currently, researchers are exploring adding a third target to the therapy to increase response duration and are planning studies involving patients newly diagnosed with GBM, who might benefit more due to their generally better health condition.
The dual-target CAR-T therapy represents a promising frontier in the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme. Although further research is necessary to optimize efficacy and response duration, these findings offer new hope for patients affected by this aggressive form of brain cancer.
