New insights into TIL-Based Therapies and advances in cancer immunotherapy
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are a critical component of the immune system's response to cancer. These immune cells, which naturally infiltrate tumors, have shown great promise in adoptive cell therapy (ACT).
By isolating and expanding TILs from a patient's tumor, scientists can enhance their ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. As a result, TIL therapy has emerged as a powerful personalized treatment for various cancers, particularly melanoma. This promising approach continues to evolve, offering new hope for patients resistant to conventional therapies.
We are happy to announce three significant publications in the field of cancer immunotherapy from the Department of oncology. These studies provide new perspectives on the effectiveness of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy in advanced melanoma, review the latest advances in adoptive cell therapy for lung cancer, and introduce a novel approach for investigating immune interactions in gastric cancer.
1. Updated Meta-Analysis on TIL therapy in advanced melanoma
Published in Annals of Oncology, this comprehensive review and meta-analysis by George Coukos, John Haanen, Urania Dafni and colleagues re-examines the efficacy of TIL therapy for patients with advanced cutaneous melanoma, particularly within the current immuno-oncology landscape. The study presents a detailed analysis of overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), and complete response rate (CRR), confirming that TIL therapy remains a valuable treatment option, even for patients who have previously undergone anti-PD-(L)1 therapy. This research reinforces TIL therapy's role as a potent second-line treatment, offering renewed hope for patients who did not respond to first-line immunotherapies.
2. Review on lung cancer adoptive cell therapy
Published in Cancer Discovery, this review by George Coukos and colleagues explores the resurgence of TIL therapy for treating lung cancer, with a focus on recent clinical trials showing promising results in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The publication emphasizes the advancements in TIL therapy techniques and their potential to enhance existing immunotherapy approaches, representing a major step forward in the treatment of lung cancer.
3. Tumor-Reactive T Cell clonotype dynamics in TIL therapy
In a new study published in Immunity, George Coukos, Alexandre Harari, Denarda Dangaj, Johanna Chiffelle, David Barras and colleagues tracked the clonotypes of tumor-reactive T cells in melanoma patients undergoing adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using TILs. This work sheds light on the dynamics of tumor-specific clonotypes from baseline through TIL expansion and post-transfer. The findings reveal that clinical responses are associated with the mobilization of tumor-resident CD8+ T cells, which reprogram during TIL expansion and reinvigorate upon engraftment in the tumor.
These publications are the result of collaborations between leading institutions, including the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, University of Lausanne, University College London Cancer Institute, and other global partners. They highlight the ongoing dedication to advancing cancer therapies through innovative research and international cooperation.
For more details, read the full articles here:
Lung Cancer Adoptive Cell Therapy: Inspiring TIL ACT Comes Center Stage
Tumor-reactive T cell clonotype dynamics underlying clinical response to TIL therapy in melanoma
by Carine Dournes Söhnlein (DO Communication)