Our Discoveries

Japan approves photoimmunotherapy for head and neck cancer

Promising clinical trials have led to the regulatory approval of the Bioblade® Laser System and Akalux® IV Infusion 250mg in Japan. This device and drug combination was developed under an investigational treatment platform based on a cancer therapy called photoimmunotherapy.

Lymphoma mass before and after treatment

Phase I CAR T-cell therapy leads to years-long remissions in relapsed B-cell lymphoma patients

In a Journal of Clinical Oncology article, results of a phase I trial by CCR investigators show that CAR T-cell therapy can result in long-lasting remissions in patients with certain relapsed B-cell lymphomas. Many who had life expectancies of only six months or less during the clinical trial of the therapy, which spanned from 2009 to 2015, remain in complete remission.

Innovative imaging tools reveal how neutrophils fight inflammation in mice

CCR researchers used state-of-the-art imaging techniques to observe, in real time, the path neutrophils take as they move toward a site of inflammation in a mouse model. The images showed the neutrophils leaving the blood vessels and engaging with bacteria that had been introduced into the mouse’s footpad. These observations led to the team’s discovery that the leukocyte LTB4 directs the recruitment, engagement, and penetration of neutrophils into inflamed tissues.

FDA grants rare pediatric disease designation for experimental immunotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

A cell-based immunotherapy that is currently being evaluated at the NIH Clinical Center for the treatment of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been designated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a drug for a rare pediatric disease. Designation could encourage development of this novel therapy for children with relapsed or refractory ALL.

In mice, new therapeutic strategy enhances the effects of immunotherapy in high ASS1-expressing cancers

Many prevalent cancers (e.g., lung, breast and colon) exhibit abnormally high expression of the enzyme ASS1. This results in greater production of genetic material incorporating purines, consequently making these tumors more resistant to immunotherapy. The researchers showed that drugs blocking purine production in these tumors enhance their response to immunotherapy.

Experimental compound blocks SARS-CoV-2’s ability to infect and kill cells in the lab

A potential therapy for COVID-19 binds to a viral enzyme that SARS-CoV-2 requires for replication. With further development and testing, it might be an effective treatment for people with the disease.

Epigenetic marker contributes to PARP inhibitor resistance

CCR scientists have discovered a way cancer cells can become resistant to PARP inhibitors, targeted therapies that are used to treat some ovarian, breast and prostate cancers.

New synthetic compounds alter RNA expression in bacteria

Researchers have succeeded in developing a number of different compounds that bind to ZTP riboswitches, which regulate RNA, in bacteria. Their approach could one day be used to create a new class of antibacterial drug.

Trial shows aggressive cancer treatment is appropriate for people with HIV-associated primary central nervous system lymphoma

New research from CCR scientists shows that chemoimmunotherapy with antiretroviral therapy can lead to long-lasting remissions of HIV-associated primary central nervous system lymphoma without compromising neurocognitive function.

Study finds drug beneficial for shrinking mesothelioma tumors

A drug that is designed to boost the immune system against mesothelioma, when combined with immunotherapy, was found to be beneficial in a small study involving ten patients. The results suggest that the drug LMB-100 could prolong the life of some patients with advanced disease.

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