Researchers have identified a protein called YTHDF2 that helps cancer cells evade CAR T cell therapy, a treatment used for certain blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. The discovery could lead to more personalized therapies that improve cancer patients’ survival rates.
CAR T cell therapy uses the immune system to find and kill tumor cells. However, some cancer cells have developed ways to hide from the immune system, making treatments less effective. YTHDF2 plays a key role in helping cancer cells grow and spread by producing energy and concealing themselves from the immune system.
A new medicinal compound called CCI-38 targets and suppresses YTHDF2, reducing the growth of aggressive blood cancers. This approach improves the likelihood of successful treatment. By targeting YTHDF2, researchers hope to enhance the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy on blood cancer cells.
The discovery has significant implications for patients whose treatments don’t work or who relapse after initial response. A new patent application filed by the City of Hope team covers critical aspects of this research, which could lead to improved care for patients with other cancers and severe autoimmune diseases. Further research is needed to improve CCI-38’s safety and effectiveness and develop clinical trials.
Source: https://www.htworld.co.uk/news/life-sciences/discovery-could-lead-to-new-treatments-for-blood-cancer-patients