New cell therapy shows positive results in solid tumor treatment

The trial involved 40 patients and tested T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells. Through genetic engineering, the T cells were equipped to recognize the PRAME peptide — a protein produced almost exclusively by tumor cells. This allows T cells to target and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. PRAME is found in various cancers, including melanoma, ovarian cancer, sarcomas, and lung cancer. 

Approximately half of the treated patients, who had not previously responded to standard therapies, showed a positive response to IMA203. Many of these responses were sustained over eight months or longer. 
Prof. Martin Wermke, head and first author of the study, states: “Based on these results, we can speak of a breakthrough. For the first time, we have achieved a lasting response in truly common solid tumors. The efficacy of IMA203 goes far beyond what we can achieve with our current chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments. Not only do we have significantly more patients responding to treatment, but the effect is also lasting much longer. 

We now have patients who have not had a relapse of their tumor disease more than two years after receiving IMA203. Some of these patients may even have been permanently cured of their cancer.” Side effects, such as fever and skin rash, were mostly mild to moderate and temporary. 

Prof. Martin Bornhäuser, Director of Medical Clinic I and the NCT/UCC Dresden, adds: “The infrastructure we have developed over many years, primarily for patients with blood and lymph gland cancer, will help us in the future to offer innovative cell therapies such as IMA203 to as many patients as possible who are suffering from solid tumors.” 

The next steps include larger clinical trials with melanoma patients who have not benefited from conventional treatments. Additional cell therapies are under investigation at NCT/UCC Dresden for other types of skin cancer and lung cancer. 

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC) Dresden