Title: Outsmarting the Escape Artist: Resistance in CAR T-Cell Therapy for Hematologic Cancers
Webinar Description:
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has revolutionized treatment for hematologic malignancies, offering hope for patients with relapsed or refractory disease. However, resistance and relapse remain significant challenges. In this talk, Dr. Marco Ruella, a leading researcher in cellular immunotherapy, explores the complex mechanisms by which cancer cells evade CAR T-cell targeting—becoming true “escape artists.” Drawing from his groundbreaking research at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Ruella discusses tumor-intrinsic factors such as antigen loss, lineage switching, and the emergence of immune-resistant clones, as well as extrinsic factors including the tumor microenvironment and T-cell exhaustion. He also highlights innovative strategies to overcome resistance, including dual-targeting CARs, armored T cells, and gene-editing technologies. Attendees will gain cutting-edge insights into the evolving landscape of CAR T-cell therapy and the scientific advances aimed at restoring and enhancing its curative potential.
Following this, Dr. Fengqian Chen from Biocytogen will highlight how drug target humanized mice can be applied to accelerate CAR-T therapy development. Through detailed case studies, Dr. Chen will illustrate their role in validating novel targets, evaluating therapeutic efficacy, and bridging the gap between preclinical findings and clinical translation.
Speaker:
Dr. Marco Ruella,
Associate Professor of Medicine
Scientific Director, The Lymphoma Program and Berman Fund
University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Fengqian Chen
Regional BD Director
Biocytogen
