Promising New CAR-T Therapy Shows High Remission Rates in Hodgkin Lymphoma Trial
A groundbreaking CAR-T cell therapy, HSP-CAR30, is demonstrating significant promise in the treatment of CD30+ lymphomas, including hodgkin lymphoma. Initial results from a European Phase II trial, recently presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting and published in Blood, indicate a complete remission rate exceeding 55% in treated patients. Researchers are optimistic that this innovative approach could represent a major step forward for individuals with limited treatment options.
The HSP-CAR30 study, the first of its kind in Europe to reach this stage, has so far involved 42 patients - 32 in the Phase II trial, with an additional 10 enrolled to bolster the data’s reliability. Dr. Caballero, a lead investigator, emphasized the encouraging nature of these findings, stating they provide a strong foundation for continued development.
CAR-T therapy involves extracting a patient’s T cells and genetically modifying them to recognize and destroy cancer cells.HSP-CAR30 specifically targets the CD30 protein, found abundantly on lymphoma cells but rarely on healthy cells. Previous CAR-T therapies have been hampered by the rapid exhaustion of modified T cells and a loss of long-term efficacy. The HSP-CAR30 approach addresses these challenges through two key innovations.
Firstly, researchers have optimized the therapy to target a more stable region of the CD30 protein, preventing cancer cells from evading the immune response by shedding CD30 fragments. Secondly, the manufacturing process has been refined to improve the quality and longevity of the modified T cells. A novel combination of interleukin-21 (IL-21) alongside IL-7 and IL-15 is used to stimulate the expansion of long-lived memory T cells, aiming for sustained anti-cancer activity.
“The goal is to ensure these CAR-T cells aren’t just effective initially, but remain active in the body for a much longer period,” explained Dr. Laura Escribà, senior researcher and Director of Quality Control for CART30 Production. “We want to equip the patient’s immune system with a lasting defense force, ready to respond if the cancer returns.”
The development of HSP-CAR30 has been a collaborative effort, substantially supported by a range of organizations and foundations. The Josep Carreras Leukaemia Foundation and the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute were instrumental in acquiring essential equipment,including two new cell production units installed at Sant pau,and funding the production of drugs for the first ten patients. A 2018 fundraising campaign, “The Unstoppable Cell Factory,” spearheaded by the Josep Carreras Foundation, contributed over two million euros to the trial’s launch.
Further funding has been provided by La marató de TV3 (Exp. 20130710), the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII FIS PI15/1383 and PI18/01023; European union), the ‘La Caixa’ Foundation, the Agency for the Management of University and Research Grants (AGAUR, SGR2021/1139), the Network of Advanced Therapies (RICORS, ISCIII; RD21/0017/0011; Next Generation, European Union), and the Blood and Tissue Bank (BST).
While these initial results are highly encouraging, researchers emphasize the need for confirmation in larger studies to fully assess the long-term efficacy and safety of HSP-CAR30. If validated, this therapy holds the potential to significantly improve outcomes for patients battling CD30+ lymphomas.
