ASH 2021 | Investigating the genomic drivers of resistance to CD19 CAR-T therapy in DLBCL
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has marked a paradigm shift in the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, half of patients treated with CAR-T therapy eventually relapse. Francesco Maura, MD, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, discusses the importance of understanding the mechanisms of resistance to CD19 chimeric antigen CAR-T therapy, outlining the results of a study using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to investigate the genomic drivers involved in DLBCL resistance to CAR-T therapy. The study found that the presence of APOBEC and certain gene deletions were indicative of a poor outcome. Moving forward, Dr Maura explains that it is essential to improve our understanding of the interplay between CAR-Ts, cancer cells and the immune system to develop CAR-T therapies that are adapted to each patient. This interview took place at the 63rd ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition congress in Atlanta, GA.
