Raising Health The History and Future of CAR T with Bruce Levine
Aug 6, 2024
Bruce Levine, a leading expert in cancer gene therapy and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, shares his insights on the evolution of CAR T-cell therapy. He reflects on his formative lab experiences that sparked his passion for translational therapies. The conversation dives into the obstacles patients face in accessing these life-saving treatments and the hope for future advancements. Levine also discusses the potential of CAR T beyond cancer and the crucial role of clinical trial volunteers in driving innovation.
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Origin Story
- Bruce Levine's path to immunotherapy wasn't due to allergies, unlike Carl June's.
- Early lab experiences and exposure to patients fueled his desire for translational work.
Early Perceptions of CAR T
- In 1999, immunology and cell therapy were niche fields, viewed with skepticism by many.
- The success of CAR T-cell therapy dramatically changed this perception and sparked investment.
CAR T Basics
- CAR T-cell therapy involves engineering immune cells to target cancer.
- A chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is created, enabling T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells.