ESH CLL 2022 | An insight into resistance mechanisms of CLL cells to CAR-T therapy
Marco Ruella, MD, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, discusses resistance of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells to chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy. Dr Ruella first highlights the challenges associated with treating CLL patients with CAR-T therapy, due to the T-cell dysfunction seen in these patients. Dr Ruella then explains strategies that may enhance the function of CAR-T in CLL treatment, drawing focus on combining ibrutinib with CAR-T, which has shown to improve anti-tumor effects in both CLL and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). To conclude, Dr Ruella mentions some studies that are investigating various drug combinations to overcome resistance and improve outcomes for patients with CLL. This interview took place during the 2nd ESH Translational Research Conference on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (ESH CLL), 2022.
