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Researcher at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Receives Grant Award to Pursue New Treatments and Cures for Lymphoma

Posted on: Tuesday, 3 May 2005, 12:00 CDT

NEW YORK, May 3 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Today the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF), the nation's largest lymphoma-focused voluntary health organization, announced $1.3 million in new research grants to eight leading research institutions throughout the U.S. Lymphoma is the most common blood cancer and the third most common cancer of childhood. Nearly 500,000 Americans have some form of the disease. More than 1,410 new cases of lymphoma will be diagnosed in Washington State this year and approximately 480 people will die from the disease.

A researcher at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Dr. Eric Y. Chen, M.D., Ph.D., will receive a Clinical Career Development Award of $225,000. This prestigious annual award allows top fellows and scientists at the nation's leading academic institutions to develop and manage clinical trials.

"We're very enthusiastic about this year's grant awards and the promise they hold for breakthroughs in the treatment of lymphoma," said Joseph Bertino, MD, Chairman of LRF's Scientific Advisory Board. "By funding both well established researchers and relative newcomers to the field of lymphoma, we greatly broaden the scope of our research portfolio and thus our likelihood of success for finding a cure," he added.

Project Description

Optimization of anti-CD20 cytotoxic T-cell immunotherapy -- The goal of Dr. Chen's project is to develop better T-cell immunotherapy strategies to treat follicular lymphoma, which is considered incurable with standard therapies. Cytotoxic T- lymphocytes (CTL), also known as "killer" T-cells, are an important component of the immune system in the fight against lymphoma and other cancers. A gene is inserted into a patient's CTL that allows the T-cell to recognize the CD20 molecule on lymphoma cells like a monoclonal antibody, and attack the lymphoma like a "killer" T-cell. This "gene therapy" approach to redirect CTL against lymphoma cells is currently being used in a phase I clinical trial to treat patients with relapsed follicular lymphoma. The findings from this project will optimize the use of T-cell immunotherapy in future phase I and II lymphoma clinical trials.

"I am extremely grateful to LRF for choosing me for this award. This type of early research funding is what allows investigators to explore novel therapies for treating cancer. The results we gather then will allow me to apply for important federal funding to continue my work," said Dr. Eric Chen.

Lymphoma Facts

There are more than 30 subtypes of lymphoma, consisting of 5 types of Hodgkin's lymphoma (also known as Hodgkin's disease) and over 25 types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is the most common cancer of the lymphatic system. Since the early 1970's, incidence rates for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have nearly doubled. The overall five-year survival rate is only 59 percent. Of the nearly 500,000 Americans with lymphoma, approximately 332,000 have this form. Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) is a less common form of lymphoma. Researchers know it is a cancer which arises from an abnormal lymphocyte (white blood cell). The overall five-year survival rate is 85 percent. Of the 500,000 Americans with lymphoma, approximately 142,000 have Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hodgkin's lymphoma occurs mainly in young adults, with a peak occurrence between ages 16 and 34. Older patients, especially those over age 55, may also develop HL.

Some promising research areas for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are: new antibody treatments which act like guided missiles that zero in on specific targets (antigens) on the lymphoma cells; vaccine treatments to stimulate the immune system to attack the lymphoma; profiling tumors by examining the finger-print-like pattern expressed by genes, thus aiding in prognosis and development of new treatments; testing new therapies that are biologically targeted to unique abnormalities specific to certain lymphomas.

Some promising areas for Hodgkin's lymphoma are determining the exact role of viruses in causing HL; new antibody treatments similar to those for NHL; and less toxic and decreased amounts of chemotherapy and radiotherapy (which are being explored due to the high cure rate of HL and long-term toxic effects of these treatments).

The mission of the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) is to eradicate lymphoma and serve those touched by the disease. The Foundation is the nation's largest lymphoma-focused voluntary health organization devoted exclusively to funding lymphoma research and providing patients and healthcare professionals with critical information on the disease. To date, LRF has funded more than $24 million in lymphoma research. 91 cents of every dollar raised goes to research and education programming. People affected by lymphoma can receive free personalized information tailored to their diagnosis, help with finding a clinical trial, and easy-to- understand information on lymphoma, current treatments, and promising research. Please call 800-500-9976, email helpline(At)lymphoma.org, or visit the website http:// www.lymphoma.org.

http://www.usnewswire.com

Source: U.S. Newswire

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