Researchers at the University of North Carolina have developed a novel immunotherapy that selectively destroys acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells while sparing healthy blood tissue, addressing a major challenge in treating this deadly blood cancer. The findings, published in the journal Blood, offer a potential new approach for patients with limited options.
Immunologist Gianpietro Dotti and hematologist Paul Armistead led research teams that engineered immune cells to recognize and attack AML cells without damaging normal blood cells. Standard treatments often struggle to distinguish between cancerous and healthy cells, leading to severe side effects and limited efficacy.
"Our approach represents a significant step forward in creating more targeted therapies for blood cancers," Dotti said. The engineered cells were designed to detect a specific protein present on AML cells but absent in healthy blood stem cells, allowing for precise targeting.
In preclinical studies, the modified immune cells eliminated AML cells while preserving normal blood production. This could reduce the toxicity associated with conventional chemotherapy and other immunotherapies that often damage the bone marrow.
Paul Armistead emphasized the clinical potential: "This could expand treatment options for patients who cannot tolerate aggressive therapies or have relapsed after standard treatments." The research paves the way for clinical trials to test safety and efficacy in humans.
The development aligns with broader efforts in cancer immunotherapy, where companies like Calidi Biotherapeutics Inc. (NYSE American: CLDI) are advancing novel treatments. Calidi focuses on oncolytic virus therapies and stem cell-based platforms to target tumors while minimizing side effects.
Further research could lead to even more refined therapies, potentially eliminating side effects entirely. The UNC team is exploring ways to enhance the specificity and durability of the immune response.
The study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and other organizations. The full findings are available in Blood.
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