Dr Nicola Vannini has been awarded a prestigious grant from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Translational Research Program. This recognition is a testament to Vannini Lab’s hard work and dedication to advancing the field of blood cancer research.
The Translational Research Program (TRP) was formed to enhance the transfer of basic research findings to clinical usefulness. The program supports research on novel approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of hematological malignancies and related pre-malignant conditions.
Dr Nicola Vannini is a stem cell biologist whose innovative research focuses on understanding the impact of aging on the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy. Aging is the primary factor associated with cancer, and this project aims to understand how aging affects CAR-T cell efficacy. Notably, the efficacy of CAR-T is highest in the treatment of hematological pediatric cancer and declines with age. Currently, there are no studies addressing this aspect, making Vannini's work pioneering in this field.
<<Read Vannini’s latest publication>>
This award will provide crucial support to better characterize the biological processes of T cell aging and identify targets that can be modulated to improve the fitness of 'old' T cells and the efficacy of 'old' CAR-T cells. The goal is to translate these discoveries into improved treatments for patients, ultimately bringing these approaches into 'real life.'
About the LLS : The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma. Founded in 1949, LLS is the largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, providing education and support to patients and their families, and advocating for policies that improve patient access to treatments and care.