Health
UCLA researchers engineer cord blood cells to target solid tumors
ScienceDaily reports that the ready-made immunotherapy controlled tumors in mice without causing graft-versus-host disease.
The short version
- UCLA researchers developed an off-the-shelf T-cell therapy derived from cord blood stem cells to attack solid tumors.[ScienceDaily]
- A single dose extended survival and curbed tumor growth in mouse models of melanoma and ovarian cancer.[ScienceDaily]
- Scientists estimate manufacturing could produce thousands of doses at approximately $5,000 each.[ScienceDaily]
- The therapy remains in preclinical stages and has not yet undergone human clinical trials or received FDA approval.[ScienceDaily]
Key facts
- UCLA scientists engineered cord blood stem cells into off-the-shelf AlloESO-T cells designed to target solid tumors.[ScienceDaily]
- In mouse models of ovarian cancer and melanoma, a single dose slowed tumor progression and improved survival without inducing graft-versus-host disease.[ScienceDaily]
- Researchers attribute the lack of graft-versus-host disease to modifying cells before they acquire random natural T-cell receptors.[ScienceDaily]
- Co-senior author Yanruide Charlie Li estimates the process could yield trillions of cells for thousands of doses at around $5,000 per dose within six weeks.[ScienceDaily]
What remains uncertain
- The therapy has only been tested in preclinical animal models and has not yet been evaluated in human trials or cleared by the FDA.[ScienceDaily]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- UCLA scientists turn cord blood into powerful cancer-fighting T cellsScienceDaily - Science