Killing the last cancer cell

Genetically modified T cells – so-called CD19 CAR-T cells – are used in the treatment of a number of cancers in the blood and lymphatic system. T cells are genetically modified to recognise the CD19 molecule on the cancer cell, killing cancer cells with the CD19 molecule on the cell surface. The treatment is effective, but disease relapse often occurs after the initial positive response to treatment. A new experimental treatment method using so-called γδ T cells may potentially prevent relapse.

“In this project, which is supported by the Vissing Foundation, we will prepare a clinical trial of γδ T cells in cell therapy. Based on our years of expertise and experience with cell expansion for clinical use, we are going to establish robust protocols to grow γδ T cells for clinical use. We are also going to describe criteria for cell function and properties, including whether exercise can be used to harvest more functionally capable cells,” says Eivind Per Thor Straten, Deputy Head of, Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy at Herlev Hospital.