New Treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Tested in North Carolina

Understanding Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Researchers in North Carolina have tested an innovative treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that originates from lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell integral to the lymphatic system. This system plays a crucial role in combating infections and abnormal cells, including cancerous ones. When lymphocytes malfunction and proliferate uncontrollably, they can lead to lymphoma, which typically begins in clusters of lymph nodes that filter lymphatic fluids.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma specifically arises from a distinct category of abnormal lymphocyte known as Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells. Current therapies for Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other lymphomas yield significant success, resulting in higher survival rates compared to many other cancers. However, some patients exhibit resistance to available treatments, highlighting the need for continued research into alternative therapeutic options.

Programming Cells to Combat Cancer

At the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Levine Cancer Institute in North Carolina, researchers explored the potential of programming patients’ lymphocytes to identify and eliminate lymphoma cells. Their findings were presented at the 60th Annual American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting in San Diego on December 3, 2018.

In this study, cellular immunotherapy techniques were employed, where T-cells—a specific type of lymphocyte—were extracted from patients’ blood, modified to recognize cancer cells, and reinfused into the patients. The cellular immunotherapy utilized in this study was developed by researchers at the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy in Texas.

The researchers introduced DNA into the T-cells to instruct them to produce a receptor that recognizes CD30, a protein present on the membrane of cancer cells in certain patients. Since T-cells are designed to destroy abnormal cells, this modification enables them to identify and target cancer cells that express CD30.

Prior to reinfusing the modified T-cells, patients underwent lymphodepleting chemotherapy, which involved administering drugs to reduce the levels of unmodified lymphocytes. This process decreases competition for resources, allowing the modified T-cells to function more effectively.

Study Participants and Treatment Outcomes

The study involved 24 patients aged 23 to 70, all of whom had cancer cells expressing CD30. While most participants had Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a few had other forms of lymphoma. All patients had either not responded to previous treatments or had experienced a relapse after initial success. Fourteen patients received a combination of two lymphodepleting chemotherapy drugs, while the remaining ten were treated with only one drug. Following the lymphodepleting treatment, patients were administered modified T-cells targeting CD30, and researchers monitored the progression of cancer severity over time.

Results and Future Directions

The results of the study revealed that 10 patients achieved a complete response, meaning all indications of cancer were eradicated. Notably, all 10 of these individuals had received the combination of both lymphodepleting drugs. On average, patients who underwent this combined chemotherapy regimen remained cancer-free for approximately 13 months. Additionally, five patients exhibited a complete response following the lymphodepleting chemotherapy before the administration of modified T-cells.

This research indicates a promising new treatment avenue for Hodgkin’s lymphoma and potentially other lymphomas that are resistant to conventional therapies. Importantly, no toxic effects from the modified cells were reported among patients during the study. Researchers plan to further develop this therapy to enhance its efficacy for individuals suffering from Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other lymphomas.

Written by Melissa H. Wong, MSc

References

Grover NS, Park SI, Ivanova A, et al. Clinical Responses to CAR.CD30-T Cells in Patients with CD30+ Lymphomas Relapsed after Multiple Treatments Including Brentuximab Vedotin. Presented at the 60th Annual American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, San Diego. December 3, 2018.
Genetically engineered immune cells show promise for fighting relapsed blood cancer [internet] Eurekalert! Public release. December 3, 2018. Available from https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-12/ulcc-gei120318.php