A REVOLUTION AGAINST CANCER: THE FUTURE OF GENE THERAPY
Innovative gene therapy treatments are paving the way for a revolution in the fight against cancer. Alessandro Rambaldi, a professor of Hematology at the State University of Milan and director of the Department of Oncology and Hematology of Asst Pope John XXIII of Bergamo, speaks about the evolution and future of gene therapy with Car-T and the new treatment scenario introduced with Car-Cik.
Gene therapy with modified cells to treat lymphoblastic leukemia is on the cutting edge of medical innovation, and the “Pope John” hospital in Bergamo is at the forefront of this research. Car-T stands for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell, a revolutionary treatment that involves genetically modifying a patient’s T lymphocytes to attack blood cancer, specifically for patients for whom other therapeutic options have failed. Car-Cik, on the other hand, uses a subpopulation of T lymphocytes obtained from healthy donors, offering a more cost-effective and potentially more universal therapeutic approach.
The Lanzani Laboratory, where Car-Cik is being produced, is seen as a “jewel” in the realm of medical research. Dr. Rambaldi details the differences between Car-T and Car-Cik, highlighting the potential of these innovative treatments to extend beyond blood cancers to other tumors and diseases as well.
However, with these groundbreaking advancements come concerns about the sustainability and cost of these treatments, particularly when considering equitable access to care. Dr. Rambaldi emphasizes the need for a balance between commercial production rights and access to care, as well as the importance of supporting research and a solid national health service.
The journey to these therapies has been one of collaboration, with support from various organizations and the help of many individuals from Bergamo. Dr. Rambaldi advocates for continued support for research and innovation, citing the crucial role funding and associations have played in the development of these therapies.
Addressing concerns about potential side effects, Dr. Rambaldi assures that while there is a risk of secondary tumors associated with these treatments, the risk is very low. Regulatory agencies are diligently monitoring these concerns, but Dr. Rambaldi is confident in the potential of Car-T and Car-Cik as the future of cancer treatment.
The potential of gene therapy with Car-T and Car-Cik is clear, and Dr. Rambaldi’s remarks shed light on the exciting advancements and the promising future of these groundbreaking treatments in the fight against cancer.