Researchers are working on an “on and off” switch to improve the safety and efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and counter the treatment’s potential negative effects, according to a Notre Dame press release.
CAR T-cell therapy, which has been hailed as the “fifth pillar” of cancer treatment, is a novel treatment method that involves genetically engineering T-cells to target and kill cancer. However, serious missteps can occur with CAR T-cell therapy, including an off-target effect in which CAR T-cells attack off-target sites while completing their job.
To improve the safety and efficacy of this therapy, Notre Dame researchers are focusing on the use of nanoparticle-enabled technologies for CAR T-cell therapy in breast cancer. However, it has the potential to be applicable to other cancers that cause solid tumors to form as well.
According to the press release, the research team will create nanoparticles that act as an “on and off” switch to better control the risks of using traditional CAR T-cell therapy.
To do this, the researchers will develop a double-sided nanoparticle designed for 1 part to bind to the surface of a tumor while the other part can capture and activate the CAR T-cells. This nanoparticle will serve as a biomarker for CAR T-cells to identify the cancerous tumor but will dissipate from the tumor surface after a period of time, acting as an “off” switch for the modified CAR T-cells.
Read more: https://www.specialtypharmacytimes.com/news/new-research-to-explore-on-and-off-switch-for-car-t-cell-therapy