Novel Cellular Therapies CP

Description

This podcast episode from HSS presents a detailed discussion on the latest advancements in cellular therapies, particularly CAR T cell therapy and bispecific T cell engagers (BiTEs), in the context of treating autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Dr. Mary Crow, a rheumatologist, leads the conversation with Dr. Kyriakos Kirou, a specialist in lupus, and Dr. Robert Spiera, director of the Scleroderma, Vasculitis and Myositis Center at HSS.



They delve into the mechanism of CAR T cells, explaining how they are genetically engineered to target specific proteins involved in autoimmune responses, such as CD19. The discussion also covers the promising clinical outcomes seen in initial studies, particularly in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, who experienced significant disease remission after treatment.



Dr. Kirou and Dr. Spiera emphasize the potential of these advanced therapies to change the landscape of treatment for complex autoimmune diseases by achieving deeper and more durable remissions, thereby reducing the reliance on conventional immunosuppressive therapies. However, they also address the safety concerns associated with CAR T cell therapy, including cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity, highlighting the importance of careful patient selection and monitoring.



The podcast concludes with an optimistic outlook on the future of cellular therapies in rheumatology, underscoring the transformative potential these treatments hold in managing autoimmune diseases, particularly for patients who have not responded adequately to existing therapies.

Specialties