Stephen D. Nimer, MD, professor of medicine, director, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Health System, discusses the use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in hematologic malignancies.

CAR T cells have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Several products are being tested in multiple myeloma as well as in solid tumors, explains Nimer. However, one of the main concerns with CAR T-cell therapy is the duration of response.

As it stands, this approach is quite expensive, and ensuring that patients derive the greatest benefit—and potentially, cure&mdash;will be crucial in extending its reach, he adds. In other malignancies, its utility will depend on the setting in which it's used and how long the duration of remission is, explains Nimer.

In addition to CAR T-cell therapy, there are several emerging techniques that are being used to improve immune system response. For example, with the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax (Venclexta) has shown efficacy in both lymphomas and leukemias. As fundamental mechanisms in these diseases are uncovered, the number of patients who may need CAR T-cell therapy may ultimately decrease, concludes Nimer.

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Dr. Nimer on CAR T-Cell Therapy in Hematologic Malignancies

Stephen D. Nimer, MD, Director, Professor of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center discusses the challenges of treating myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

Patients with MDS have a wide variety of survival outcome; some may live for years while others only for months. Understanding from the beginning the expected progression of each individual patient it is critical, says Nimer.

Although there are three FDA approved drugs for MDS, none are curative and when patients progress on these drugs the prognosis is poor. New drug are needed as well as additional understanding on how stem-cell transplantation and drug therapies can be combined, says Nimer.

Stephen D. Nimer, MD, Director, Professor of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center discusses the challenges of treating myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).  

Stephen D. Nimer, MD

Articles

Dr. Nimer on CAR T-Cell Therapy in Hematologic Malignancies

Dr. Nimer on the Biggest Challenges of MDS