MD Anderson launches new cancer research center
The focus will be on immunology and cell engineering, with the goal of creating new cancer and autoimmune disease treatments.
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The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has launched the Institute for Cell Therapy Discovery and Innovation, a research center that will focus on immunology and cell engineering with the goal of creating new cancer treatments and autoimmune disease treatments.
The institute will bring together scientists and clinicians to conduct research to that end, with the hope that this will deliver new insights into immunology and cell engineering and fuel the creation of new, rapidly adaptable treatments.
Philanthropic and institutional support of $80 million has helped MD Anderson get the project off the ground.
WHAT'S THE IMPACT?
Cell therapies, often described as "living therapies," are sophisticated immunotherapy treatments that use immune cells from a patient or healthy donor as building blocks, the organization said. Through specialized engineering and manufacturing techniques, researchers can enhance the ability of these cells to detect and eliminate cancer cells, infected cells or otherwise abnormal cells.
The institute will integrate across MD Anderson's research ecosystem to accelerate the discovery and development of new cell therapies from preclinical studies through clinical trials.
Clinical and research leaders at MD Anderson will come together to help manage and oversee the institute's research efforts. An Internal Advisory Council will provide guidance and scientific input on the research projects, offering recommendations on new research proposals submitted to the institute. A Pipeline Review Committee will ensure research and development projects align with the institute's overall strategic objectives.
The organization cited recruitment and retention of top scientists in bioinformatics, cell therapy research and cell engineering as priorities to bolster research initiatives. And supporting the research of young scientists with promising ideas is a key element of the institute's work to advance cell therapies. The institute will establish a fellowship program to create an opportunity to mentor, recruit and educate the next generation of researchers.
To date, more than $80 million – over half of the institute's fundraising goal – has been raised to aid in researchers' investigation, development and manufacturing of next-generation cell therapies for cancer patients. Much of this support, said MD Anderson, is directed to underwriting clinical trials that will accelerate treatments to the bedside.
THE LARGER TREND
This summer MD Anderson further expanded its global oncology efforts by entering into a five-year agreement with the Zambian Ministry of Health – a deal that aims to enhance cancer prevention, treatment, research and education.
MD Anderson began collaborating with Zambia's Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka in 2013, with a particular focus on radiation oncology. The institution will now work directly with the Ministry of Health to support its national cancer control planning and implementation, and also to expand capacity-building efforts across the country.
Jeff Lagasse is editor of Healthcare Finance News.
Email: jlagasse@himss.org
Healthcare Finance News is a HIMSS Media publication.
