Of all the latest cancer treatment advancements, a type of immunotherapy, known as CAR T-cell therapy, has made incredible strides, especially for blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. Researchers have identified several ways that one’s own immune system cells, known as T-cells, can be extracted, modified and returned to the body to better identify and attack cancer cells. The National Cancer Institute provides a simple video to explain immunotherapy.
In 2023, CCF awarded Children’s National’s Chase McCann, Ph.D. with a CCF Research Grant for his work at the Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy (CETI) Program. CCF caught up recently with Dr. McCann to discuss the outcomes of his research.
Dr. McCann focuses his research on a type of T-cell therapy known as Tumor-Associated Antigen-Specific, or TAA, T-cells that are showing to be safe and have demonstrated early signs of clinical efficacy. To develop his proposal, Dr. McCann first put together an interest group between George Washington University and other universities, through which he learned about similar projects, offering critical collaboration that included access to data sets and equipment. Such collaboration enhances everyone’s work with multiple perspectives and expertise.
With CCF’s grant, he was able to explore a more efficient method of identifying and presenting what are called antigens, or parts of a protein on a tumor, that tell the immune system whether it is something it should attack, using a technique similar to that used by the COVID-19 vaccine. This type of research is what is known as basic research – the beginning efforts of what ultimately leads to clinical trials.
Recognizing the importance of funding early and basic research, CCF’s focus remains to invest in research that ultimately leads to cures. CCF has funded clinical trials for CAR-T cell transplants to treat leukemia for years with encouraging results. One of our local heroes, Holly Barton from New Market, MD, is currently in remission following a CAR-T cell transplant.
Finally, Dr. McCann shared that the CCF funding benefited his scientific and professional development, which is critical as he advances his career in pediatric cancer research. Outcomes like Holly’s and other T-cell therapy recipients motivate us to ensure researchers like Dr. McCann are funded. Research = Survival.
