Weekly Spotlight - 17.10.24

In the News

CAR T-Cell Therapies Show Promise in Treating Aggressive Blood Cancers

CAR T-cell therapies show promise in treating aggressive blood cancers, such as lymphoma and myeloma, by reengineering patients' T-cells to target cancer cells. Studies reveal sustained responses and potential for durable remission, though challenges like managing toxicities remain. These therapies may become standard care for haematologic malignancies.

Blood Cancer Risk Linked to Chromosome Alterations in Study

Rosalie Griffin, PhD, presented a study at ESMO Congress 2024 examining biomarkers linked to blood cancer risk. The research analysed mosaic chromosome alterations in over 3,000 cancer patients versus 1,000 cancer-free individuals. The goal is to predict and identify potential lymphoid malignancies, enhancing early detection and personalised treatment strategies.

Imetelstat: A Promising Advancement in MDS and Blood Cancer Treatment

Imetelstat, a novel therapeutic option for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), offers significant improvements for patients with limited treatments. It delays the need for hypomethylating agents and chemotherapy. Trials are exploring its use in other blood cancers, marking a major advancement in oncology and a scientific achievement.

NVG-111 Trial for Lymphoma and Leukaemia Safety and Efficacy Testing

The NVG-111 Phase 1 trial investigates the safety and efficacy of a new treatment for relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, small lymphocytic lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma. Conducted in the UK, it aims to provide crucial data for future therapeutic advancements, despite uncertain immediate benefits for participants.

Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre

David Cameron: Britain's Role in Advancing Rare Disease Treatments

David Cameron's article in The Times highlights Britain's potential to lead in treating rare diseases through genomics. Inspired by personal tragedy, Cameron reflects on the loss of his son Ivan to Ohtahara syndrome, a rare condition. He notes the rapid advancements in genomics since the early 2000s, when sequencing a genome was costly and time-consuming. Today, it is affordable and quick, enabling personalised medicine. Cameron's 100,000 Genomes Project marked a significant step in this field, and now, Genomics England and the NHS plan to sequence 100,000 newborns' genomes to identify rare diseases.

Cameron announces his role as chair of the Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre's advisory council, a partnership aiming to develop 40 new treatments for rare diseases in the next decade. He emphasises Britain's strengths: a history of DNA research, a national health system, and a robust venture capital industry. Coupled with US expertise, this partnership is poised for breakthroughs in genomics.

The implications are vast. Genomics can help millions globally, as 80% of rare diseases have a genetic basis. Understanding one condition can unlock insights into others, including common killers like cancer and heart disease. Gene therapy, where Britain excels, offers potential to correct genetic defects, lessening or reversing conditions.