FUNDED BY THE STUART SCOTT MEMORIAL CANCER RESEARCH FUND WITH SUPPORT FROM BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB
Immune cell-based therapies represent the latest pillar of cancer therapy. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells have demonstrated significant anti-tumor activity against B cell leukemia and lymphoma and similar efficacies against multiple myeloma. CAR-NK cells are a newer addition to the cellular immunotherapy field but have already shown impressive results in the treatment of lymphoma. In this project, we will evaluate the activity of CAR-T and CAR-NK cell therapies targeting BCMA and TnMUC1 as single agents and combination strategies for the treatment of multiple myeloma. In addition, we will develop methods to enhance the efficacy and persistence of NK-cell based therapies through strategies to overcome immunosuppression. Successful completion of this project would generate novel and enhanced therapeutic strategies to treat multiple myeloma with immune cell-based therapies.