Single-Cell Multi-omics Convergence Research Team - Stand Up To Cancer

Convergence Teams

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SU2C Single-Cell Multi-omics Convergence Research Team: Single-Cell Functional Multi-omics to Characterize and Monitor CAR T Therapy

Grant Term: January 2018–November 2022

This SU2C Single-Cell Multi-omics Convergence Research Team aims to identify biomarkers that will predict the efficacy and potential side effects of CAR T therapy in individual patients. The team is developing computational models combining topological analysis—looking at multiple data sets across many fields—and machine learning to better understand the causes of therapeutic efficacy and toxicity.

ABOUT THIS TEAM’S RESEARCH

Immunotoxicity and autoimmune-like response are significant problems hindering widespread use of cancer therapies that harness the body’s own immune system. A major player in the immune response are cytokines, substances secreted by some immune cells to trigger other cells in response to a signal, such as recognition of a foreign body.

To understand this response, the SU2C Single-Cell Multi-omics Convergence Research Team is assessing the full spectrum of cytokine functions in patients prior to treatment and matching these with patient responses to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T therapy. The team is then evaluating the function of the infused CAR T cells to determine the mechanisms of efficacy and/or immune toxicity. Researchers are also identifying molecular characteristics underlying the efficacy and toxicity of CAR T therapy and looking for biomarkers by examining their data using computational models and machine learning.

The team’s aim is to create a tool that clinicians can use to mitigate patient risk associated with CAR T therapies while improving the chances of therapeutic success.

MEET THE TEAM

The top scientists and researchers on the SU2C Single-Cell Multi-omics Convergence Research Team come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, which leads them to great insights upon collaboration. Learn more about the SU2C Single-Cell Multi-omics Convergence Research Team.

Convergence Team Members

Rong Fan, PhD
Yale University
Leader

Pablo G. Camara, PhD
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
Member

Stephanie Halene, MD, PhD
Yale School of Medicine
Member

Carl H. June, MD
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
Member

J. Joseph Melenhorst, PhD
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
Member

Alice Lustig
Stand Up To Cancer
Project Manager

TEAM PROGRESS UPDATES

Stand Up To Cancer’s research projects are designed to foster collaborative, swift translational research. The hallmarks of these efforts include rigorous application and selection procedures, sufficient funding to allow scientists to focus on the objectives of the grant, and six-monthly reviews by senior scientists. These reviews help the investigators capitalize on the latest findings, address potential roadblocks, and collaboratively evolve as the science requires. Please click on the link to see summaries of research results so far for the SU2C Single-Cell Multi-omics Convergence Research Team.

TEAM PROGRESS UPDATES

PUBLICATIONS

This team started its work in January 2018. Progress notes will be posted after its first review.

CLINICAL TRIALS REFERRALS

Cancer clinical trials allow researchers to study innovative and potentially life-saving new treatments. The goal is to find treatments that are better than what’s currently available; in fact, the therapies offered to today’s cancer patients were almost all studied and made possible by people participating in clinical trials. But many cancer clinical trials aren’t completed because not enough people take part.

At StandUpToCancer.org/ClinicalTrials, you’ll find information and answers to common questions about clinical trials. Learn more and talk to your doctor to see if a clinical trial may be the best choice for you.

LEARN MORE

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