Blood cancer cell therapy shows promise in early trial says CGTC
The therapy is based on patient derived T-cells that are modified to target cells that over express a protein encoded by the Wilms' tumor gene – WT1 – which are involved in diseases including acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Interim analysis of data from a Phase I/II trial in patients suffering AML indicates that the modified cells have a good safety profile. The analysis also shows that the cells meet requirements for persistence and can survive and expand in patients.
CGTC CEO Keith Thompson said: “The progress of the WT1 TCR clinical trials supported by the positive DSMB review, is encouraging and we look forward to expanding these trials across the UK and Europe. Further results are expected during 2017.”
The research is being conducted by Catapult Therapy TCR – a clinical trial organisation set up by CGTC - and partners UCL Business and Imperial Innovations.
The organisation has begun dosing a second cohort of AML patients.
The WT1 TCR therapy being used in the study is produced by Manchester, UK-based Cellular Therapeutics which was contracted by CGTC in August.
