A Gilead Sciences-backed therapy made with a patient's own white blood cells shrank tumors in 62% of patients with recurrent glioblastoma, a rare event for a fatal brain cancer with few treatment options, researchers reported. The study, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting and published in Nature Medicine, tested a dual CAR-T treatment to overcome the defenses of glioblastoma, the most common brain tumor in adults. CAR-T therapy, typically used for blood cancers, was modified to target EGFR and interleukin-13 receptor alpha 2, found in most glioblastoma tumors. Interim results from 18 patients showed that 62% had tumor shrinkage, with several patients living over 12 months. However, the benefits were temporary, with many relapsing within months. Side effects included fevers and neurotoxicity but were manageable. Researchers are developing a third target to extend the therapy's effectiveness. The team plans to test the therapy in newly diagnosed patients, hoping for more persistent results. With high demand for the trial, Kite aims to expand to more centers with a triple-target version. Researchers are optimistic about developing longer-lasting treatments in the coming years.

Gilead's CAR-T cell therapy shows promise in deadly brain cancer

Gilead Sciences-backed CAR-T therapy targeting glioblastoma showed 62% tumor shrinkage in 18 patients, with some surviving over 12 months. The dual-target therapy, designed to overcome glioblastoma defenses, faced temporary relapses and side effects, but researchers plan to develop a triple-target version for longer-term results.