In this interview, we sit down with Dr. Hemant Murthy, a professor of medicine in the division of Hematology/Oncology at Mayo Clinic, to explore the groundbreaking potential of CAR T-cell therapy and the crucial role clinical trials play in advancing cancer treatments.

Dr. Murthy begins by emphasizing the importance of clinical trials in hematology, reminding us that many of today’s standard treatments—like oral medications for chronic myeloid leukemia or advanced therapies for multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia—are the result of past clinical trials. These studies not only push boundaries but also provide a clearer future path for treating diseases.

CAR T-cell therapy is a significant part of this evolving landscape. Initially viewed as a last resort for patients with limited life expectancy, CAR T- cell therapy has now become a transformative therapy, with trials showing such strong results that it’s being used earlier in treatment regimens, sometimes even before other established procedures like bone marrow transplants. The therapy, which re-engineers a patient’s own immune cells to fight cancer, has been particularly effective for conditions such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Dr. Murthy explains how this shift in timing and application has dramatically changed patient outcomes, allowing those once facing hospice care to now look forward to longer, more hopeful lives.

Dr. Murthy also highlights the meticulous approval process for CAR T- cell therapies. He discusses how several CAR T products, such as axicabtagene ciloleucel and lisocabtagene maraleucel, have been approved for diseases like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and multiple myeloma due to their success in clinical trials. Importantly, he notes that these treatments are continually evolving, and future trials may yield even better results for more patients.

For patients interested in learning about clinical trials, Dr. Murthy stresses the importance of consulting with their oncologists. Trials are essential in driving the next wave of treatments, and they provide an opportunity to explore innovative therapies. He advises patients to ask about trial phases and the logistics involved, such as the number of study visits or the need to stay near treatment centers. Resources like clinicaltrials.gov can also help patients find reputable studies.

Looking to the future, Dr. Murthy shares his excitement about emerging therapies, including cellular treatments for solid tumors like melanoma and sarcomas. He talks about innovative approaches like gene editing and the use of different immune cells, such as natural killer cells, to make treatments safer, faster, and more effective. As clinical trials continue to expand, they offer hope for addressing even more cancer types and improving patient care.

In closing, Dr. Murthy reflects on how far cancer treatments have come and expresses optimism about the ongoing impact of clinical trials in shaping a brighter future for patients. He encourages patients to ask questions and stay engaged with their healthcare providers to explore all potential treatment options.

More:

• ClinicalTrials.gov: https://clinicaltrials.gov
• Mayo Clinic Cancer Center: https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/cancer-center

This season is made possible thanks to our sponsors:

Kite, a Gilead company: http://www.kitepharma.com/

and Bristol Myers Squibb's CAR T support services program:https://www.celltherapy360.com/

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