Cancer Immunotherapy Preclinical Research
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Use of Donor Blood Samples for Cancer Immunotherapy Preclinical Research
IRAS ID
244236
Contact name
John Maher
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Epidarex Capital
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
Our immune system is designed to attack what is ‘foreign’ (e.g. infection) but not ‘self’ (healthy tissue). Because cancer comes from our own cells, it appears to the immune system as “self”, and is often ignored. T-cells and other white cells in blood, part of the human immune system, can be 'reprogrammed' to recognise and attack cancer. This is achieved by introducing genes into T-cells so that they can recognise cancer cells and kill them. To accomplish this we need to (i) investigate white blood cells (especially T-cells) in healthy people and (ii) test the ability of genetically engineered T-cells to kill tumour cells, grown in the laboratory or in mouse models.Potential volunteers for donor blood samples will be given written information about the process. They will be given as much time as they require to consider participation. If they are interested in taking part full written informed consent will be obtained, once any questions have been answered.
Once consent is obtained up to 60ml blood will be taken not more often than monthly. Consent will only be taken once per participant. Participants will be free to withdraw at anytime, without giving a reason. Blood samples will be taken by a phlebotomist or by clinically qualified researchers.
We will also assess blood cells obtained by NHSBT in the form of surplus/outdated donations.
Samples will be anonymised, mixed with anticoagulant and cell types separated by centrifugation. Other components of the sample will be disposed of in accordance with the Human Tissue Act.
Some processed samples will be stored in deep freezers (-178 deg C) so that they can be used on later dates.
Once experiments are completed, the isolated white blood cells will also be destroyed in accordance with the Human Tissue Act.
Summary of Results
We have generated several artificial receptors known as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that allow immune white blood cells called T-cells to recognise and attack cancer cells. We have selected several of these CAR T cells for formal preclinical development and have lead candidate for commencing a phase 1 clinical trial in patients with cancer that is unsuitable for any current treatment.REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
18/WS/0047
Date of REC Opinion
15 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion