Adoptive immunotherapy with engineered T-cells, for example, CAR T-cells (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) is associated with significant toxicities including cytokine release syndrome, neurologic toxicity, “on target/off tumor” recognition, and anaphylaxis. CAR T-cells lack the ability to respond to signals that maintain immune homeostasis. For this reason, they are effective relentless killers of cells that express the target to which they have been programmed, however, at a safety cost. Continue reading
Tag Archives: CDC

Surprising Efficacy of Darzalex is not Solely Due to Anti-CD38 Activity on Myeloma Cells
We have previously reviewed anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody Darzalex (daratumumab) in multiple myeloma. Daratumumab targets CD38-expressing myeloma cells through a variety of immune-mediated mechanisms (complement-dependent cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis) and direct apoptosis with cross-linking of receptors. Continue reading

Gastric Cancer Monoclonal Antibody Against Specific Target Shows Promise in Phase 2b Study
In a phase II randomized trial, adding IMAB362 to standard chemotherapy increased progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) by about 50% compared with the standard treatment alone. Continue reading
Early Cancer Detection Company, Grail, Led by Former Google VP – Ashley P. Angelo, Contributor
Healthcare firm Grail, which has been formed by the gene sequencing company Illumina, named Jeff Huber, former Google X Senior Vice President, as its CEO in February. With Huber’s experience in developing large-scale data, Grail hopes to improve gene sequencing technology used in blood tests for early detection of cancer in asymptomatic patients so that immunotherapeutic strategies, as opposed to toxic chemotherapy, can be employed with the goal of curing cancer. Continue reading

Darzalex for Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Darzalex (daratumumab), and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who had already undergone at least three prior standard treatments, received FDA approval. The product was developed by J&J and Genmab. Continue reading