Melissa FabrizioThe Alberta Cancer Foundation marked World Cancer Day 2022 in part with the recognition of a made-in-Alberta clinical trial led by University of Alberta oncologist Dr. Michael Chu.
Dr. Michael Chu, medical oncologist and an assistant professor at the U of A, lead the clinical trial on using CAR T-cell therapy to specifically treat lymphoma and leukemia. He partnered with the Alberta Cell Therapy Manufacturing facility for production of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cells. This clinical trial was recognized by the Alberta Cancer Foundation for World Cancer Day 2022.
Dr. Chu detailed that the clinical trial makes use of CAR T-Cell therapy and that this therapy is able to directly target the cancerous cells. At this time, the CAR T-Cell therapy is used to target lymphoma, which is a type of cancer that affects the lymphocytes of the lymphatic system, and leukemia, which is a type of blood cancer that affects the white blood cells.
“CAR T-Cells are used in our research; the T-cells are genetically modified so that the immune system can fight against the cancer by itself,” Dr. Chu said. “This therapy is being used as an alternative option but for some patients, it could be their only option.”
The T-cells are taken from the patient and they are genetically modified by inserting the CAR gene, and the modified T-cells form proteins called chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on their own surface. The CAR T-Cells are produced in greater amounts in the laboratory and then inserted into the patient’s bloodstream through infusion. Once the CAR T-Cells enter the body, they begin to multiply. They have the ability to recognize the cancerous cells and kill them.
Going forward, Dr. Chu is hopeful that the genetic technology will be used in various types of studies. CAR T-Cell therapy can be manipulated in different ways to provide treatment for various types of cancers. Dr. Chu is hopeful that the genetic technology could be used to treat autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis (MS) in the near future.
“I believe that genetic research will continue to grow in the coming years; with growing technology and research, it has become convenient to use technology and put it to use in studies and trials like ours,” Dr. Chu added.
Lastly, Dr. Chu mentioned that new studies are introduced all the time. With the growing research, there are more opportunities to get involved. He advised that now is the right time for those interested in this type of research to find ways to get involved.
