ALL CAR T experiences in China
Peihua Lu (China) presented several Chinese studies on CD19-directed CAR T cell therapy in B-cell ALL patients. “China is quite active in CAR T treatment,” said Lu. “We have been collaborating with multiple CAR T companies since 2015 and more than 500 CAR T cases entered a clinical trial in our institute, Lu Daopei Hospital.”
She showed that a high rate of complete remission can be achieved for relapsed/refractory B-ALL patients treated with CAR T. In addition, many high-risk patients may benefit from CAR T treatment, including those with high tumor burden, EMD, PH+ ALL, TP53 mutation, and those relapsed after allogeneic HSCT. However, inferior overall survival and relapse-free survival figures were observed in TP53-mutated patients.
Scientists from Lu Daopei Hospital drew several interesting conclusions:
- Overall survival and relapse-free survival rates were significantly better for patients who bridged into allogeneic HSCT after CAR T than for patients that only received CAR T treatment.
- It is very important to achieve MRD negative complete remission before HSCT to reduce relapse and improve survival.
- CNS leukemia is not an absolute contraindication for CAR T treatment.
- The 4-1BB-containing CAR appears more advantageous than the CD28-containing CAR, in terms of response, duration of remission, and safety.
Visit the EHA Learning Center to view Dr Lu’s presentation: