Antiviral T cells safe and effective for treating debilitating complication common after stem cell transplants

A Phase II trial led by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that BK virus (BKV)-specific T cells from healthy donors were safe and effective as an off-the-shelf therapy for BKV-associated hemorrhagic cystitis (BKV-HC), a painful complication common after allogeneic stem cell transplants for patients with leukemia or lymphoma. The study was published today in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

A Conversation With a Living Legend honoring Admiral William H. McRaven raises $1 million

The North Texas A Conversation With a Living Legend® raised $1 million this week in a virtual version of the signature fundraising event benefiting The University of Texas
MD Anderson Cancer Center. The 31st annual event honored Admiral William H. McRaven, U.S. Navy, Retired, in an interview Nov. 16 with CBS News’ Bob Schieffer. Proceeds will benefit MD Anderson’s Moon Shots Program®, a collaborative effort to accelerate the development of scientific discoveries into clinical advances that save patients’ lives.

Dual checkpoint blockade promising as pre-surgical approach for certain patients with localized bladder cancer

Phase I trial finds neoadjuvant combination checkpoint inhibitors (anti-CTLA-4 plus anti-PD-1) was well tolerated and showed early signs of activity in certain patients with bladder cancer. These patients cannot be treated with chemotherapy and have no standard treatment options available.

Researchers identify immune-suppressing target in glioblastoma

Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a tenacious subset of immune macrophages that thwart treatment of glioblastoma with anti-PD-1 checkpoint blockade, elevating a new potential target for treating the almost uniformly lethal brain tumor.

Boehringer Ingelheim and MD Anderson form unique virtual research and development center to rapidly advance new cancer therapies

Boehringer Ingelheim and MD Anderson have announced a new multi-year partnership to conduct collaborative research, combining the drug-development capabilities of MD Anderson with the pipeline of novel medicines from Boehringer Ingelheim.