Reducing CAR T-cell therapy complications in relapsed lymphoma patients by adding natalizumab

Principal Investigator: Dr. Monalisa Ghosh

Disease: Relapsed Lymphoma

Research Description:

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy offers new hope through personalized medicine to patients with several types of cancer, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and the rarer mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). CAR T-cells are created using cells from a patient’s own immune system. Once CAR T-cells are infused into patients, they recruit other parts of the immune system to target and kill cancer cells. One of the most significant problems with this therapy is an escalation of the immune system that can result in severe complications, including immune effector cell associated neurologic syndrome (ICANS). ICANS is one of the most significant toxicities of CAR T-cell therapy, and can result in injury to the brain, prolonged hospitalization, lower quality of life and even death. The FDA approved drug natalizumab, used to treat multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease, prevents immune cells from traveling from the blood to the fluid around the brain, which is a process thought to play a major role in CAR T-cell related brain injury. The goal of this Phase 2 pilot trial will be to determine the safety of using natalizumab with CAR T-cell therapy and natalizumab’s potential to decrease the frequency of severe ICANS among DLBCL and MCL patients.

Funding Partners: Goldman Philanthropic Partnerships and others

CWR Funding Role: Participating Funder