Researchers at Purdue University are developing a novel immunotherapy to treat incurable glioblastoma brain tumors, which have a low survival rate and are often resistant to traditional cancer treatments. Led by Professor Sandro Matosevic, the team has published their research in the journal Nature Communications. The treatment involves genetically engineering immune cells from induced pluripotent stem cells to target and eliminate cancer cells, providing an off-the-shelf and potentially unlimited supply of cells for therapy.
Traditional cell therapies for cancer have focused on using autologous cells, sourced from and returned to the same patient, but have shown limited efficacy in treating glioblastoma. In contrast, the Purdue team’s immunotherapy utilizes allogeneic immune cells, not sourced from the patient, allowing for a more scalable and efficient treatment approach. Animal studies with mice bearing human brain tumors have shown promising results, with the engineered immune cells effectively eliminating tumor growth at doses suitable for human clinical use.
The next steps for the Purdue researchers involve conducting clinical trials to further validate the effectiveness of their glioblastoma treatment in human patients. Collaborations with neurosurgical clinicians, funding agencies, and industry partners are key to advancing the therapy towards clinical translation. The goal is to provide patients with brain tumors, including those not successfully eliminated by surgery, with a more effective and potentially life-saving treatment option.
Intellectual property protection for the innovative glioblastoma treatment is being pursued through a patent application filed by the Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization. Funding for the research has been provided by various sources, including the National Institutes of Health, the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, and industry partners. The team’s motivation and dedication to bringing this therapy to the clinic highlight the urgent need for improved treatments for patients with brain tumors.
Overall, the Purdue University researchers are making significant progress in developing a novel immunotherapy for glioblastoma that shows promise in preclinical studies. With a focus on engineered immune cells that are off-the-shelf and scalable, the team aims to provide patients with better and more effective treatment options. Collaborations with clinicians, funding agencies, and industry partners are crucial for advancing the therapy towards clinical trials and eventual translation into patient care.