MRA Meet Ups: Researcher Connection - CAR-T Cell Therapy for Advanced Melanoma

Dec 20, 2024

On December 18^th, MRA was joined by Anusha Kalbasi, MD, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at Stanford University, for an installment of our online series, MRA Meet-Ups, where we regularly connect with the melanoma community to discuss important topics, share insights and experiences, and ask questions. The session, called "Researcher Connection: CAR-T Cell Therapy for Advanced Melanoma", explored CAR-T cellular therapy, an exciting area of research in melanoma. Cellular Therapy, also called Cell-based therapy, is a type of immunotherapy cancer treatment that involves the use of living cells to treat or prevent diseases. It is a rapidly evolving field in medicine that holds great promise for various conditions, including the treatment of melanoma and other cancers.

Moderated by MRA’s Director of Communications and Engagement Dana Deighton, key takeaways included the importance of clinical trials in advancing medicine and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of new drugs. Dr. Kalbasi also highlighted a trial he is leading at Stanford along with colleagues, exploring CAR-T cell targeting IL13Rα2 for advanced treatment-refractory melanoma (NCT04119024).

Topics discussed included:

Benefits and risks of clinical trials, and what patients should ask their physicians when considering a trial.
The role of the FDA in regulating drug safety and effectiveness through clinical trials.
The various phases of clinical trials, with a focus on Phase I trials.
An introduction to CAR-T Cell Therapy in general, and within the context of melanoma.
A closer look at Dr. Kalbasi's clinical trial and what questions he and his team are trying to answer.
And more!