Ghent University Hospital and its GMP facility CellGENTherapies, are partner in an ambitious, international (ATTRACT) study, called ARI-chALL, to investigate whether an innovative, academically developed CAR-T cell therapy can be used in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia during their first relapse.
The new ARI-chALL study – which will take place in Belgium (Ghent), Spain, the Netherlands, France, and Italy. Belgium plays a crucial role in this study thanks to the expertise and infrastructure of Ghent University Hospital and the CAR-T cell expertise of its GMP facility.
By utilizing unique facilities – GMP cleanrooms – these cells can be prepared in the hospital. This not only saves time for the patient but also limits the costs and risks of transporting living cells. Ghent University Hospital has such a GMP facility for gene and cell therapy, where production will take place.
Prof. Barbara De Moerloose,
head of the Paediatric Haematology-Oncology Department UZ Gent & CRIG group leader
Research profile for Barbara De Moerloose – CRIG profile
We are honoured to be able to collaborate with prof De Moerloose. In this way we contribute to the unique expertise and image of the Department of Pediatrics UZGent in Belgium and abroad.
Prof Bart Vandekerckhove, Dir CellGENTherapies
Research profile for Bart Vandekerckhove – CRIG profile
The prognosis for children that relapse from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is currently poor and is associated with serious side effects. The study investigates whether an innovative, academically developed CAR-T cell therapy can be used in children experiencing their first relapse. This therapy can significantly increase their chances of recovery while significantly reducing the severe toxicity of the current standard treatment. By implementing this therapy earlier, they hope to significantly increase survival rates, avoid complex treatments like stem cell transplants, and improve the quality of life of young patients.
Furthermore, the study should contribute to faster, broader, and affordable access to this innovative treatment in Europe.
The ARI-chALL study is among the best-assessed projects from the second ATTRACT call. ATTRACT (Accelerate Together Rare Cancer Treatment) is an international collaboration between European cancer organizations to accelerate the development of high-quality clinical trials for rare cancers. Importantly, Kom op Tegen Kanker joined forces with other European anti-cancer charities and made a significant investment in this important initiative .
Read more in the full press release by Kom op tegen Kanker