A recent study published in Nature highlights the potential of a novel immunotherapy for solid tumors expressing glypican-3 (GPC3). The research, conducted by Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Cancer Center, explored chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells enhanced with interleukin-15 (IL-15).
While CAR T cells have been successful in treating some blood cancers, their efficacy in solid tumors has been limited. Preclinical studies indicated that IL-15 could enhance CAR T cell-based therapies by promoting T cell survival and multiplication.
The clinical trials involved GPC3-specific CAR T cells co-expressing IL-15 in adults with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and children with GPC3-expressing solid tumors. Initial patient cohorts received only GPC3-CAR T cells, which were safe but did not produce objective antitumor responses.
In subsequent trials, patients received GPC3-CAR T cells armed with IL-15. This group showed increased CAR T cell expansion, with 33% demonstrating an objective antitumor response and 66% experiencing stable disease for at least four weeks. However, these patients also had a higher incidence of cytokine release syndrome, which was managed with medication.
Dr. Andras Heczey from Baylor College of Medicine remarked, “The findings are encouraging and a major step forward in enhancing the efficacy of CAR T cells for children and adults with solid tumors."
Contributors to this research include David Steffin, Nisha Ghatwai, Antonino Montalbano among others from institutions such as Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Houston, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and more.
Further details on funding can be found in the publication.
