Andy Hsu
Mater Medical Research Institute
Proof of principle for use of CTL induced by RNA loaded 34+ SC derived DC to eradicate leukaemia post transplant
Leukaemia is a cancer of the bone marrow, and is the most common cancer in children. Conventional treatment (chemotherapy) can cure 3 out of 4 patients, and bone marrow transplantation may prolong the life and provide the hope of a cure for the remaining patients.
However, relapse is a significant problem after transplantation and the prognosis for these patients is poor.
Treatment options for relapsed leukaemia could be improved. The goal of novel therapies is to prolong remission in patients after transplantation, and ultimately cure patients with underlying disease.
We are developing an immunotherapy protocol by stimulating special immune cells called dendritic cells with patient genetic material to make killer cells that recognise patient leukaemic cells. We propose that this technique may be used to prevent relapse in high-risk leukemia patients after transplantation.
