A novel CAR-T therapy for hard-to-treat cancer shows promise
In a significant advancement in cancer immunotherapy, Brazilian scientists have developed a novel CAR-T cell therapy—HSP-CAR30—that has demonstrated remarkable success in treating patients with refractory CD30+ lymphoma, a rare and hard-to-treat cancer of the lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow.
Published in the prestigious journal Blood, the results from the Phase I clinical trial of HSP-CAR30 mark a major milestone, offering new hope to patients with few or no treatment options left.
100% Response Rate & Long-Term Remission Achieved
Led by researchers from Brazil in collaboration with European institutions, the study reported an unprecedented 100% overall response rate in patients previously unresponsive to multiple cancer treatments. Impressively, 50% of participants achieved complete remission, meaning no evidence of cancer remained in medical imaging and lab tests.
“This level of response is exceptionally rare, especially in a population of patients who have undergone several failed treatments,” said Dr. Javier Briones, Head of Hematological Oncology at the Sant Pau Research Institute (IR Sant Pau) in Barcelona.
What Is CAR-T Therapy and Why Is This Different?
CAR-T therapy is a revolutionary treatment that modifies a patient’s T cells—part of the immune system—to recognize and kill cancer cells. However, for CD30+ lymphomas such as classical Hodgkin lymphoma and certain T-cell lymphomas, earlier CAR-T options showed limited durability and high relapse rates.
The HSP-CAR30 therapy targets the CD30 protein, a marker found on cancer cells in these lymphomas, and it addresses a critical challenge: persistence. The therapy led to the expansion of memory T cells, helping the immune system remember and continue fighting the cancer long after treatment.
Long-Term Success: 60% of Complete Responders Show No Relapse
In a follow-up lasting a median of 34 months, about 60% of patients who achieved full remission remained cancer-free, suggesting long-lasting immunity conferred by the therapy.
“This is crucial,” said Dr. Briones. “We now have proof that the persistence of CAR-T cells in the body can lead to real, sustained impact on cancer.”
No Serious Safety Concerns Detected
The Phase I trial, which involved 10 patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma or CD30+ T-cell lymphoma, also brought encouraging news on the safety front. The researchers detected no dose-limiting toxicities, highlighting the therapy's favorable safety profile.
Additionally, CAR30+ cells remained active in the body of 60% of the patients one year post-treatment, a notable achievement for CAR-T therapies, which often lose effectiveness over time.
What This Means for the Future of Cancer Treatment
The HSP-CAR30 therapy not only opens new doors for CD30+ lymphoma patients but may also serve as a blueprint for next-generation CAR-T therapies across multiple cancer types. As clinical trials expand and results continue to impress, the therapy is expected to move into Phase II trials soon.
Quick Facts: HSP-CAR30 Phase I Trial Highlights
Disease Targeted: Refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma & CD30+ T-cell lymphomaResponse Rate: 100% overall, 50% complete remission
Long-Term Remission: 60% remained cancer-free after 34 months
Safety: No dose-limiting toxicities
CAR-T Cell Persistence: Detectable in 60% of patients at 12 months
Final Thoutgs
With cancer relapse being a persistent challenge, especially in aggressive lymphomas, the success of HSP-CAR30 brings a new ray of hope. Backed by strong efficacy and safety results, this breakthrough therapy could redefine the treatment landscape for patients with otherwise untreatable forms of blood cancer.
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