Carl June, MD, a pioneer in immunotherapy and director of the Center for Cellular Immunotherapy at UPenn, shares his groundbreaking journey in gene therapy. He details his transition from engineering to medicine and recounts the pivotal moments that led to FDA approval for CAR T-cell therapy. Dr. June shares inspiring patient stories, discusses future innovations in cell therapies, and addresses the challenges of work-life balance in with scientific careers. He even reveals his passion for extreme biking as a metaphor for perseverance in both life and science.
Dr. Carl June's pioneering work in CAR T-cell therapy, leading to its FDA approval in 2017, has revolutionized cancer treatment for refractory blood cancers.
The future of cell and gene therapy is promising, with advancements like CRISPR enabling more personalized therapies and overcoming challenges in treating solid tumors.
Deep dives
Dr. Karl June's Background and Early Career
Dr. Karl June grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where his father's background as a chemical engineer sparked an early interest in science. Initially accepted to Stanford, he instead attended the Naval Academy due to his low draft number during the Vietnam War. Following his undergraduate studies, he was granted a scholarship to attend Baylor College of Medicine, where he developed a passion for immunology, driven in part by his family's history with autoimmune diseases. His early experiences in the Navy and training at esteemed institutions laid the groundwork for his future pioneering work in cellular immunotherapy.
Pioneering CAR T-Cell Therapy
Dr. June's groundbreaking work in CAR T-cell therapy originated from his deep interest in T cell activation, which he began studying during his time at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Collaborating with researchers, he explored the intersection of immunology and infectious diseases, ultimately leading to the development of CAR T-cells for targeting HIV before shifting focus to cancer therapy. His dedication culminated in the first FDA approval for CAR T-cell therapy in 2017, changing the landscape of cancer treatment dramatically. The therapeutic approach, which harnesses genetically modified T cells to target cancer cells, has shown remarkable success in patients with refractory blood cancers.
The Impact of FDA Approval and Patient Outcomes
The FDA's approval of CAR T-cell therapy marked a significant milestone in oncology, with Emily Whitehead's case becoming emblematic of its potential. In her treatment for refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the therapy not only demonstrated a remarkable response but also made an unexpected move towards resolving severe cytokine release syndrome through the use of tocilizumab. Long-term studies showed that the majority of patients treated with this innovative therapy experienced durable remissions, highlighting the potential of cellular therapies to provide lasting solutions for previously untreatable conditions. The combination of philanthropic support, innovative research, and successful patient outcomes propelled CAR T-cell therapy into the forefront of cancer treatments.
Future Directions in Immunotherapy
Looking ahead, Dr. June is optimistic about the advancements in cell and gene therapy, especially with the advent of new technologies like CRISPR and the potential for multiplexed gene editing. This progression may lead to more personalized and efficient therapies, including the development of off-the-shelf CAR NK cells and approaches to enhance targeting mechanisms for solid tumors. His focus on overcoming challenges such as T cell exhaustion in solid tumors reflects the ongoing evolution of immunotherapy strategies. As more research emerges, Dr. June believes that the future will see a significant expansion in the types of cancers treatable through innovative cellular therapies, revolutionizing patient care.
Carl June, MD, shares his scientific journey, from medical research officer in the U.S. Navy to leader behind the first FDA-approved gene therapy, during his one-on-one conversation with ASGCT President Hans-Peter Kiem, MD, PhD. Welcome to the third episode of Giants of Gene Therapy!
Dr. June is a professor in immunotherapy in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, the director of the Center for Cellular Immunotherapy, and the director of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at Penn. He was instrumental in bringing CAR T cells to the clinic and receiving the first FDA approval for CAR T cell therapy in 2017.
Dr. June is a prolific researcher who has published more than 500 manuscripts. He's received numerous awards and honors and has been the founder or co-founder of many companies involved in T cell therapies. His discoveries launched a new era of cancer treatment options. Dr. June has been an ASGCT member and Annual Meeting keynote speaker.