What's Happening?
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have developed a new CAR T-cell therapy targeting the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) in solid tumors. This approach addresses the challenges faced by traditional CAR T-cell therapies,
which have been effective in blood cancers but struggled against solid tumors due to inconsistent surface targets and protective tumor environments. The study, published in Cell, shows that uPAR is elevated in various human cancer types and is associated with aggressive cancer hallmarks. The therapy has shown promising results in shrinking solid tumors and clearing metastases in preclinical models.
Why It's Important?
This development represents a significant breakthrough in cancer treatment, potentially expanding the use of CAR T-cell therapy beyond blood cancers to solid tumors. By targeting uPAR, researchers can focus on cells in specific states rather than types, which may lead to more effective treatments. This could improve outcomes for patients with lung, pancreatic, ovarian, and other solid tumors, offering new hope for those with aggressive cancers.
What's Next?
The research team plans to further test the effectiveness of uPAR-targeted CAR T cells in various preclinical systems and explore combination therapies to enhance therapeutic effects. Monitoring uPAR-high disease without a biopsy through blood measurements and PET scans could also be developed, providing a non-invasive method to track treatment response.
