Using the immune system to treat people with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma Wednesday, August 02, 2023 CIHR has announced $3,056,176 in funding over 5 years, for the TACtful trial investigating a novel cell therapy using the immune system to treat people with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. Novel immune therapies have been developed using cancer patients’ own white blood cells engineered to fight cancer which are then given back to the patient to use their enhanced immunity seek out and kill tumour cells. Recent clinical trials testing these engineered cells for the treatment of multiple myeloma have shown great promise, including the opportunity to stop cancer treatment for a while as the engineered cells (a “living drug”) continue to work in the body. The researchers have developed a next generation cell therapy that offers the potential for reduced toxicity and improved duration of response. "This is a fully Canadian trial on multiple myeloma in the relapse and refractory setting that will provide crucial experience in conducting complex collaborative academic-led cell therapy studies in Canada involving many provinces.This study presents an original design by using already collected and potentially less exhausted T-cells targeting BCMA," says Dr. Richard LeBlanc, hematologist and medical oncologist at Maisonneuve-Rosemont hospital and TACtful study chair. In addition to potential clinical benefits for patients, this trial will provide crucial experience in the conduct of complex collaborative academic-led cell therapy studies in Canada. The manufacturing method is expected in time to greatly reduce the cost of therapy making it much more affordable and available to patients who may benefit. “I am incredibly grateful to CIHR for supporting the TACtful trial. It is an excellent example of the government’s commitment to developing home-grown biotechnologies,” says Dr Jonathan Bramson, Vice Dean, Research for the Faculty of Health Sciences and a Professor in the Department of Medicine at McMaster University. Collaborators:Canadian Cancer Trials Group, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Juravinski Cancer Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Canadian Blood Services, and Octane/Lonza, a Canadian biotechnology company. Dr Jonathan Bramson, Novel Cell Therapy researcher Dr. Richard LeBlanc, the TACtful study chair
