Pioneering immunologist, Carl June, discusses his work on CAR T cell therapy, including its origins in HIV treatment, effectiveness in treating B cell malignancies, challenges with cytokine storms, and future prospects for cancer treatment advancements.
CAR T cell therapy shows efficacy in treating various cancers through CD28 activation.
Future innovations in CAR T therapy aim to enhance potency in treating solid tumors through metabolic rewiring and enhanced targeting.
Deep dives
Pioneering CAR T Cell Therapy in Cancer Treatment
Dr. Carl June, a luminary in medicine, pioneered CAR T cell treatment. Beginning his journey with an immunology focus due to familial autoimmune diseases, he delved into T cell immunology during his naval service. Linking immunology with HIV studies, he embarked on developing CAR T cell therapy. Through CD28 activation, CAR T cells showed efficacy against cancers, leading to prolonged responses and potential for treating a range of cancers.
Overcoming Challenges in CAR T Cell Therapy
CAR T cell therapy faces challenges in solid tumor treatment due to target limitations and overcoming tumor barriers. Dr. June emphasizes the need for a diverse target platform and strategies to navigate hostile tumor microenvironments. With ongoing preclinical developments exploring metabolic rewiring and enhanced targeting, future innovations aim to enhance potency and efficacy in treating solid tumors.
Shifting the Paradigm in Cancer Treatment
Reflecting on cancer research progress, Dr. June envisions a future where cancer is manageable or even curable. He advocates for early cancer interception strategies, personalized vaccines, and heightened public understanding of research's crucial role in healthcare advancements. By highlighting the transformative impact of research in combatting diseases like cancer, Dr. June encourages a collective effort towards conquering major health challenges.
In this episode, Carl June, MD, pioneering immunologist and oncologist at the University of Pennsylvania, joins Jorge Conde, general partner at a16z Bio + Health.
Together, they discuss Carl's work on CAR T, a remarkable story of the first use of CAR T in a pediatric patient, and Carl's take on where oncology treatments are headed next.
Though this episode was originally published in September 2023, back when we were called Bio Eats World, we’re republishing it during this year’s ASGCT conference, where the latest advances in cell and gene therapy—like what Carl describes—are shared and discussed.
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