Baylor Scott & White Research Institute has announced a new clinical trial that explores an innovative immunotherapy treatment for pancreatic cancer patients – the first of its kind to enter clinical studies – that allows control over CAR T-cell activity. CAR T-cell immunotherapy involves extracting a patient's immune cells, re-engineering them to target cancer and then infusing them back into patients.
The BPX-601 clinical study, sponsored by Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc., will evaluate the company's new CAR T-cell therapy designed to target solid tumors while giving clinicians control over the expansion and stimulation of the cells using rimiducid, a small molecule activator agent.
Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, surpassing breast cancer. No detection tools exist to diagnose the disease in its early stages, when it's easier to treat.
"This clinical trial is an important step in our ongoing research efforts to improve patient outcomes in one of the deadliest forms of cancer," said Carlos Becerra, MD, interim chief of oncology at Baylor University Medical Center and principal investigator of the study. "The pancreatic cancer patients who will be eligible to participate in the study have progressed after standard treatments and have limited options. We hope that this trial will be an important step in developing safe and effective CAR T-cell therapy for solid tumors."
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As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,200 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com