Latest news with #InternationalSocietyforCellandGeneTherapy
Scoop
03-07-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Project Aims To Bring Cutting-Edge Cancer Treatments To NZ
Press Release – University of Auckland Cell-based therapies are the most advanced and promising treatments for cancer,' says Didsbury, who is an immunologist, committee chair at the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy, and a trustee for Ovarian Cancer Foundation NZ. Plans are under way to bring life-saving cell-based cancer treatments to patients in New Zealand. Dr Alicia Didsbury from the University of Auckland's Centre for Cancer Research is leading a major project aiming to provide cell and gene therapies for cancer. The project is supported by the New Zealand Blood Service and doctors at Auckland City Hospital. Didsbury is applying for $1.4 million for the first phase of the project, which will offer virus-specific T-cell therapy for people with blood cancers who are undergoing treatments that lower their immunity. Virus-specific T-cells fight viruses more effectively and with fewer side effects than antiviral medications, which are currently used widely. The aim is for the first phase to begin later this year, establishing the country's first facility to manufacture virus-specific T-cells and a local biobank of T-cells. From there, the plan is to launch New Zealand's first clinical trials of cell-based treatments for a broad range of blood cancers and solid tumour cancers over the next few years. 'Cell-based therapies are the most advanced and promising treatments for cancer,' says Didsbury, who is an immunologist, committee chair at the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy, and a trustee for Ovarian Cancer Foundation NZ. 'At the moment, access to cellular therapies is extremely limited in New Zealand, so some patients go overseas and have to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for these life-saving treatments.' Blood-cancer patients who receive stem-cell transplants are generally given immune suppressant medication to prevent complications. This can leave patients vulnerable to potentially life-threatening viral infections. New Zealand currently imports a small number of virus-specific T-cells, but these are expensive and not always a good match for Māori and Pacific populations, says Didsbury. 'By manufacturing virus-specific T-cells here in Auckland, we can create more affordable and better-matched therapies using local donor cells,' says Didsbury. 'For some people undergoing transplants, this could be lifesaving.' Launching a virus-specific T-cell manufacturing and treatment service in Auckland will help build the basis to launch national and international clinical trials for cell-based treatments for blood and solid tumour cancers. The second phase of the project will make experimental treatments for multiple myeloma, melanoma, ovarian and lung cancers available in New Zealand for the first time. 'I'm a strong advocate for clinical trials in cancer care. They offer hope to patients and contribute to research that brings hope to others in the future,' says Didsbury. Initially, the project will launch at Auckland Hospital, but Didsbury hopes clinical trials will later be offered throughout New Zealand. For blood cancers, cell-based therapies show remarkable results. For solid tumours, cellular treatments are more experimental and have only completely cured a small percentage of patients in overseas trials. CAR T-cell therapy is one of the most promising treatments that will be offered. It harnesses the natural ability of T-cells – white blood cells that normally detect and kill virus-infected cells – to target cancer. In this therapy, a patient's own T cells are collected and genetically modified in the lab to recognise and kill cancer cells. These modified cells are then infused back into the patient to fight the cancer. CAR T-cell therapy can currently cost more than $500,000 per patient, so the project will explore affordable ways to offer these treatments within the public health system. The new service also aims to offer other cell and gene-based cancer therapies, such as transgenic T-cell receptor therapy and tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy. Didsbury's drive to make cancer treatments more accessible and affordable has personal roots. 'My dad passed away from cancer when I was 21 and that motivated me to pursue a career in cancer research – initially thinking I'd go into drug discovery. 'Then, in 2005, I attended a lecture from a scientist who had recently returned from Oxford who introduced me to the new idea of T-cell therapy – that was Professor Rod Dunbar. It completely changed my direction. I decided to do a PhD with him and he's still my boss at the University of Auckland's School of Biological Sciences,' she says. The 46-year-old has been developing cell-based treatments for cancer for 15 years. A breakthrough treatment she helped develop for melanoma could soon be offered in clinical trials.
Borneo Post
13-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sarawak steps into global biomedical arena with launch of research society
Dr Samuel Ting Chuo Yew KUCHING (June 14): The Sarawak Society for Cell and Gene Therapy Research (SSCTR) has been officially launched, marking a significant step forward in positioning Sarawak as a contributor to the global biomedical innovation landscape. Founded by Dr Samuel Ting Chuo Yew, a leading figure in pharmaceutical science and health policy, the SSCTR aims to promote awareness, foster collaboration, and support policy development in the rapidly evolving field of cell and gene therapy (CGT). 'Cell and gene therapy is revolutionizing modern medicine, from offering cures for previously untreatable genetic disorders to enabling personalized regenerative therapies,' said Dr Ting in a statement. 'Yet, in East Malaysia, access to reliable information, local expertise, and institutional coordination in CGT remains limited. SSCTR was created to change that,' he added. The society is guided by a multidisciplinary council comprising pharmacists, clinicians, biotechnologists, educators, and bioprocessing engineers – reflecting the collaborative nature required to advance CGT from research to clinical application. 'Its success relies on coordinated efforts across basic science, clinical practice, manufacturing, regulation, and public engagement. 'That is why our society was founded with an interdisciplinary vision from day one,' he said. For researchers and healthcare professionals, the SSCTR provides access to the latest developments in CGT, including technological advancements and regulatory frameworks. It also facilitates national and international collaborations with key organisations such as the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy (ISCT), the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT), and the Malaysia Association for Cell and Gene Therapy (MACGT). The society also promotes interdisciplinary teamwork among molecular scientists, immunologists, stem cell researchers, GMP specialists, clinical trialists, pharmacists, nurses, and regulatory experts. For the general public, SSCTR aims to raise awareness about both the potential and limitations of CGT. It also serves as a trusted point of reference for verifying the credibility of CGT-related services and companies. For government agencies and policymakers, the society offers expert insights to support the development of national and state-level regulations. It also acts as an intermediary, facilitating communication and advocacy between public authorities, the healthcare sector, and the wider community. Membership is now open to researchers, clinicians, students, and members of the public who are committed to the ethical and evidence-based advancement of cell and gene therapy. To learn more or to join the SSCTR, go to the website
