SAN DIEGO — Researchers on Saturday presented an unusual case of a T cell lymphoma marked with a CAR, the key synthetic protein in CAR-T therapy, in an online abstract for the American Society of Hematology annual meeting.
It is the first published case of the rare blood cancer that’s associated with a commercial CAR-T product, the Janssen/Legend Biotech drug Carvykti, or cilta-cel in this case. But researchers are still untangling how much — if it all — the therapy contributed to the development of the blood cancer.
CAR-T cells, white blood cells engineered with a synthetic protein that helps the cell track down and destroy cancer, have been one of oncology’s most important breakthroughs in the last decade. The therapy has provided thousands of patients with lasting remissions and even cures in some cases, but it’s also borne a theoretical risk that the genetic engineering needed to create the therapy could also unintentionally cause subsequent, second cancers down the road.
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+.
Already have an account? Log in
Already have an account? Log in
About the Author Reprints
To submit a correction request, please visit our Contact Us page.
STAT encourages you to share your voice. We welcome your commentary, criticism, and expertise on our subscriber-only platform, STAT+ Connect