Cancer Immunology

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle WA

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY The Cancer Immunology (CI) Program is dedicated to basic, translational, and clinical cancer immunology research, with a strong emphasis on developing T cell immunotherapy, including genetically modified CAR-T and TCR-T therapies. Over the recent grant cycle, the program has published over 82 high-impact papers (2020- 2023) and conducted numerous first-in-human trials, representing significant progress in the field. CI, comprising 52 members, has secured $26M in research funding and has been instrumental in diverse clinical trials across various cancers. A notable achievement includes the clinical practice changing FDA approval of the CAR-T product lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel). The program is led by Dr. Marie Bleakley, Dr. Evan Newell, and Associate Program Leader Dr. Folashade Otegbeye, each bringing distinct expertise in cellular therapies, translational research, and high dimensional immune profiling. Dr. Otegbeye, a recent recruit, has substantial experience in cellular therapy and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The program benefits from guidance by internal and external advisory boards and engages in activities ranging from seminars to clinical coordination meetings. CI's scientific aims are threefold: Firstly, to develop effective and safe cellular therapies for adult and pediatric cancers, evidenced by the success of liso-cel, locoregional infusion of CAR-T cells in CNS tumors in children, and a pioneering trial of TCR-T cells targeting the Wilms tumor 1 antigen. Secondly, to identify and overcome barriers to immune-mediated tumor eradication using preclinical models and clinical specimens, where advances include understanding the solid tumor microenvironment and ineffective checkpoint blockade immunotherapy, and identifying novel populations of regulatory T cells and neoantigen-specific T cells. Lastly, to translate discoveries in basic immunology and synthetic biology to novel clinical applications in cancer immunotherapy, highlighted by engineered proteins for cellular computations and a groundbreaking nanocarrier for in vivo T cell programming. CI's relevance extends to addressing cancer incidence and mortality rates in Washington state. The program's collaborative efforts are evident in its partnerships with the Hematologic Malignancies, Pathogen Associated Malignancies, Breast & Ovary Cancers, and Cancer Basic Biology Research Programs, and various external entities, fueling innovative immunological studies and trials. In the future, CI aims to bolster its team, integrate cutting-edge technologies and analytic methods, and enhance cell therapy production. With a focus on collaboration and data analysis, the program aspires to pioneer breakthroughs in cell therapy, gene editing, bioengineering, and immunotherapy, aiming to enhance cancer patient treatment options.