Grant Award Details

Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Engineered Stem/Memory T Cells for the Treatment of Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
Grant Number: 
DISC2-11107
Project Objective: 
  • To identify and validate a lead therapeutic candidate for treating recurrent ovarian cancer, comprising CAR T memory/stem cells that target TAG72 surface antigen with “built-in” cytokine production for enhanced anti-tumor activity.

Investigator: 
Disease Focus: 
Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Solid Tumors
Human Stem Cell Use: 
Adult Stem Cell
Award Value: 
$1,351,174
Status: 
Closed

Progress Reports

Reporting Period: 
Year 2+NCE

Grant Application Details

Application Title: 
  • Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Engineered Stem/Memory T Cells for the Treatment of Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
Public Abstract: 

Research Objective

We are developing a tumor-associated glycan-targeting CAR T cell with inducible cytokine production that drives T cell stem/memory phenotype and persistence for effective treatment of ovarian cancer.

Impact

25% of ovarian cancer patients recur within 6 months. Targeting cancer stem cells with a persistent progenitor CAR T cell product offers a potent strategy to address this recurrence.

Major Proposed Activities

  • Evaluate tumor associated glycan-specific CAR constructs using in vitro studies by varying extracellular and intracellular signaling domains to optimize for potency and selectivity
  • Evaluate multiple antigen-binding domains (i.e., scFv) within optimized CAR construct using in vitro studies.
  • Assess anti-tumor efficacy of lead CAR candidates in preclinical human xenograft models of serous ovarian cancer.
  • Generate a T cell activation-inducible cytokine production, comparing IL-12 and IL-15, for improved T cell functionality, stem/memory phenotype, and persistence using in vitro studies.
  • Optimize CAR T cells with ‘built-in’ inducible cytokine production and identify lead CAR stem/memory T cell therapeutic product using in vitro studies.
  • Assess therapeutic efficacy of optimized CAR T cells with ‘built-in’ inducible cytokine production in preclinical human xenograft models of serous ovarian cancer.
Statement of Benefit to California: 

Ovarian cancer is the 5th most common cause of cancer mortality among women with ~10% of the annual diagnoses and ovarian cancer-related deaths in the US occurring in California alone. Fewer than 20% of advanced ovarian cancer patients survive past 5 years. This proposal aims to develop a targeted therapy for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer, which, if successful, would be a major advancement in the fight against this devastating disease and other aggressive cancers.