CAR-T THERAPY TARGETS LIVER METASTASES IN COLORECTAL CANCER

Innovative treatment developed by San Raffaele researchers shows promise in preclinical models.

Researchers at IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele in Milan have developed a groundbreaking CAR-T cell therapy aimed at treating liver metastases from colorectal cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. This novel approach, detailed in a recent study published in Science Translational Medicine, represents a significant advancement in the field of solid tumor immunotherapy.

The therapy utilizes T cells genetically engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that specifically target Cadherin-17 (CDH17), a protein abundantly present on the surface of colorectal cancer cells but absent in healthy tissues. This selective targeting minimizes the risk of off-tumor toxicity, a common challenge in cancer immunotherapy.

In preclinical experiments involving human liver tissue samples and mouse models, the engineered CAR-T cells effectively inhibited tumor growth without affecting normal liver cells. Notably, systemic administration of these CAR-T cells did not induce the severe side effects typically associated with other CAR-T therapies, such as cytokine release syndrome.

This promising development paves the way for clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of CDH17-targeted CAR-T therapy in patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer. The research was led by Dr. Monica Casucci, head of the Innovative Immunotherapies Laboratory at San Raffaele, and supported by international collaborators and funding from organizations including the European Research Council and Fondazione AIRC.

Why this matters for medical tourists:

  • Innovative Treatment Options: Access to cutting-edge therapies not widely available elsewhere.

  • Expert Medical Care: Treatment by a multidisciplinary team at a leading research hospital.

  • Personalized Medicine: Tailored therapies based on individual patient profiles.

  • Advanced Research Facilities: Participation in pioneering clinical trials and studies.

For international patients seeking advanced treatment options for liver metastases from colorectal cancer, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele offers state-of-the-art therapies and expert care. To learn more about the CDH17-targeted CAR-T therapy and upcoming clinical trials, please contact the hospital’s oncology department.

References: Press release

Focus on

With 56 location, 4,7 Mln patients per year, 7,100 doctors, 5,500 beds, more than 400 University professors, 3,200 scientific publications per year, Gruppo San Donato is the number 1 hospital group in Italy.

In particular, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital includes hospital departments, spaces dedicated to research and those devoted to higher education of the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, all coexisting on a single campus of over 290,000 square metres. An organisation that reflects the mission and uniqueness of the Institute: a place where the best care for patients is provided, the doctors of tomorrow are trained and the future of medicine is written.

Discover Gruppo San Donato