Adoptive Cell Transfer Incorporating Vaccination (ACTIV) Therapy For Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,950.00
Summary
We have made a breakthrough in a new treatment for cancer that can destroy large tumours in mice. The treatment involves a transfusion of white blood cells and an injection of a vaccine. In this project, we will seek to understand how the treatment works, and apply it to human white blood cells in preparation for a clinical trial in cancer patients.
Generating Stronger And Smarter T Cells For Cancer Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$310,332.00
Summary
White blood cells from cancer patients can be modified in the laboratory to react against tumours. These cells can then be given back to the patient, which can sometimes cause cancer regression. However, often the white blood cells lack strength, or they lack the ability to distinguish between tumour and normal tissues of the body. In this project we seek to make stronger and smarter white blood cells that can deliver a lethal hit against tumours without damaging essential organs of the body.
The Role Of CD73 In Cancer: Validating A Novel Therapeutic Target
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,356.00
Summary
We here propose to investigate the role of a specific immune-suppressive molecule called CD73 in cancer. We will test the therapeutic activity of blocking CD73 with a monoclonal antibody for cancer treatment, either used alone or in combination with immune-activating agents and chemotherapy.
Investigating The Anti-tumour Efficacy And On Target Toxicity Of Gene-modified T Cell Therapy In Vivo
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$337,614.00
Summary
White blood cells from cancer patients can be modified in the laboratory to react against tumours. Although these cells can induce cancer regression when given back to the patient, these cells can often cause associated pathology. In this study we propose to fully investigate the limits of this type of therapy for mediating anti-tumour responses and potential toxicity in mouse models that closely recapitulate the human setting. These studies will lead to a more effective therapy for patients.
Characterization Of Novel, Colitis Associated Pathobionts To Identify Therapeutic Targets In The Host Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$684,609.00
Summary
Applying cutting edge methods to grow bacteria from the human gut, we have identified three species, two previously unknown, that are found in many inflammatory diseases including Inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and in cancer immunotherapy patients who experience colitis. By characterizing these bacteria and the immune response in human cells we are seeking to discover novel targetted methods to prevent colitis and gastrointestinal inflammation.
Adenosine Receptor Antagonists As Immunotherapeutic Agents For Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,779.00
Summary
We have shown that drugs that block immunosuppressive adenosine receptors can improve anti-tumour immune responses and consequently enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy. These drugs are already known to be well-tolerated in humans and so have great potential for clinical development. We propose to determine the therapeutic response achieved with these drugs in combination with established cancer treatments involving radiotherapy and immune based therapies.
Development Of Cancer Immunotherapy Using Gene-engineered T Cells In A Self-antigen Mouse Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,602.00
Summary
Killer T lymphocytes can penetrate tumours and their transfer into cancer patients has demonstrated some encouraging results, but this form of therapy and other approaches including vaccination remain ineffective in most cancer patients. In this project, we propose to improve the tumour trafficking and anti-tumour activities of killer cells by genetically engineering them with proteins that will enable them to recognise and destroy cancer cells.
Utilization Of Gene-engineered T Cells For Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$761,656.00
Summary
Killer T lymphocytes can penetrate tumours and their transfer into cancer patients has demonstrated some encouraging results, but this form of therapy and other approaches including vaccination remain ineffective in most cancer patients. In this project, we propose to improve the tumour trafficking and anti-tumour activities of killer cells by genetically engineering them with proteins that will enable them to recognise and destroy cancer cells, whilst minimizing toxicity to normal tissue.
New Strategies For Enhancing Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cell Therapy For Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$849,540.00
Summary
The role of the immune system in cancer is now recognised as highly important, highlighted by the success of immunotherapy in patients. Yet many patients fail to respond to this form of treatment due to low frequency of lymphocytes present at the tumor site. A new form of immunotherapy involving transfer of gene-modified lymphocytes is a potential way to overcome this problem. This project will explore new strategies to enhance the utility of this approach against blood and solid cancers.
For 60 years, we have had only 3 effective cancer treatments: surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, often used in combination.The last 5 years have produced a powerful fourth treatment: the patient's own immune system.The long standing collaborations and synergies of our multi-disciplinary teams have already underpinned many recent advances in immune-based therapies: we are now poised to develop several further immunotherapies and on track to test them in patients during the term of this grant.