Turkish scientists are developing a smart drug for a type of cancer!
Turkish scientists have developed a new treatment method for recurrent and resistant ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) cancer type and introduced the results obtained from animal tests to the scientific world. Üsküdar University Transgenic Cell Technologies Application and Research Center (TRGENMER) Director Asst. Prof. Cihan Taştan stated that they have developed a new treatment method for recurrent and resistant ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) cancer type and expressed that "We published the results we obtained in animal tests in Cancer Gene Therapy in the Nature publishing group, which is the most reputable journal in the scientific world." Asst. Prof. Cihan Taştan stated that "In the next period, we aim to switch to human clinical tests and develop one of the domestic, smart and live drugs of our country. Thanks to the GMP laboratory to be established for this purpose at our university, we will have started Phase studies."
Üsküdar University Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS) Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics faculty member, Transgenic Cell Technologies Application and Research Center (TRGENMER) Director Asst. Prof. Cihan Taştan informed on their work for ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) cancer, which is a rare disease, and the point they have reached.
Informing about CAR-T cell therapy, which is a revolutionary step in the fight against cancer today, and is personalized and capable of recognizing and killing cancer, Asst. Prof. Cihan Taştan noted that in the initial stage of the 'Reprogramming' of T cells, the T cells taken from the patient, is genetically modified under laboratory conditions, and at this stage, a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is added, which will give the cells a special recognition ability.
Modified T cells are multiplied and strengthened on a large scale
Stating that the modified T cells are multiplied and strengthened on a large scale during the 'Reproduction of Developed Cells' phase, Asst. Prof. Cihan Taştan explained that the immune system is supported by strengthened and customized cells in this way.
Stating that the prepared CAR-T cells are returned to the patient's body during the 'Infusion' phase, Dr. Taştan emphasized that it is ensured that strong cells that can take an active role in the fight against cancer are included in the system in this step.
Promising in cases resistant to conventional treatments
Assist. Prof. Cihan Taştan explained that in the 'Targeted Attack' phase, CAR-T cells initiate a special attack against cancer by recognizing and interacting with cancer cells in the body in a special way, and continued his remarks as follows:
"CAR-T cell therapy gives hope, especially in cases that are resistant to conventional treatments. CAR-T cell therapy is an FDA-approved treatment for ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) cancer and achieves more effective results compared to traditional treatments. This treatment launches a special attack against cancer cells by genetically engineering the patient's own T cells.
Traditional treatments usually include chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but CAR-T cell therapy differs in that it specifically targets cancer cells by boosting the body's immune system. In this way, while it does not have a negative effect on the healthy cells of the body, it only shows an activity against cancer cells. This customized approach may offer a more effective treatment option in cases of refractory or recurrent ALL."
Asst. Prof. Cihan Taştan expressed the treatment method they developed for ALL cancer and continued as follows:
"Since 2021, we have proven that CAR-T cells create an effective response against cancer thanks to the application method we have developed, both in our laboratory tests and animal tests, and that they can remain stably circulating despite the passage of time and create a response in case of cancer recurrence. In this way, we have developed a new treatment method for recurrent and resistant ALL cancer. We published the results we obtained in animal tests in Cancer Gene Therapy in the Nature publishing group, the most respected journal in the scientific world.
In the next period, we aim to switch to human clinical tests and develop one of the domestic, smart and live drugs of our country. Thanks to the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) laboratory to be established for this purpose at our university, we will have started phase studies. We have completed all our preparations for phase studies and studies continue in our laboratory to produce treatments not only for ALL but also for other types of cancer in the future."
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)