Adapting T cell manufacturing methods could improve CAR Ts

Researchers at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified key factors that affect the potential of T cells from pediatric patients with leukemias, lymphomas and sarcomas to be modified into effective CAR T cell therapies. The research suggests adapting the CAR T cell manufacturing process could improve those therapies' effectiveness in treating cancer.

The team found that T cells' reliance on specific metabolic pathways affected their potential, even before chemotherapy. The team also found a way to restore T cells' energy levels post-chemotherapy, which could improve their functionality as modified CAR T cells. The group presented its findings Thursday at a media preview for the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) meeting in Chicago next month...