Innovative Off-the-Shelf Immunotherapy Shows Promise for Metastatic Kidney Cancer
UCLA researchers have developed a revolutionary off-the-shelf immunotherapy using engineered immune cells to target and treat metastatic kidney cancer, offering hope for more effective and accessible treatments.
Researchers at UCLA have announced a breakthrough in cancer treatment with the development of an off-the-shelf immunotherapy specifically designed for metastatic kidney cancer. This new approach utilizes genetically engineered immune cells called AlloCAR70-NKT cells, which are derived from stem cells and engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting CD70, a protein commonly found on kidney cancer cells. Unlike traditional therapies that require customization for each patient, these universal immune cells are ready-to-use, reducing both time and safety risks.
The innovative therapy has demonstrated the ability to attack tumor cells directly, disrupt the tumor microenvironment, and evade immune rejection, which are significant hurdles in treating solid tumors like kidney cancer. In preclinical models, AlloCAR70-NKT cells exhibited a multi-faceted attack: they kill cancer cells even with low CD70 levels, dismantle the immune-suppressive microenvironment surrounding tumors, and prevent rejection by the host’s immune system, allowing the therapy to persist longer and maintain effectiveness.
Developed by scientists at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, this therapy aims to overcome the limitations of existing immunotherapies, particularly the safety concerns and the time-consuming process of cell preparation. Dr. Lily Wu, a lead researcher, explained that turning stem cells into potent, ready-to-use cancer-fighting immune cells could revolutionize treatment, especially for patients with aggressive, late-stage disease.
Despite advances in immunotherapy, many patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma do not respond or eventually relapse, with only a 12% five-year survival rate. The promising results with AlloCAR70-NKT cells suggest a new avenue for therapy that could improve outcomes by providing a more effective, accessible, and safer treatment option. The research, published in Cell Reports Medicine, indicates that this cell therapy could become a valuable part of future cancer treatment strategies.
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