BAFF-R CAR T-cell therapy shows durable success in lymphoma trials

The Phase 1 trial results indicate a potential shift in how clinicians approach aggressive blood cancers. Among the participants, four individuals who had progressed after standard CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy saw their disease reach complete response—a milestone researchers describe as a "CAR after CAR" success. Data cutoff shows no relapses among these patients, with the longest complete response now spanning 35 months.

Beyond efficacy, the therapy demonstrated a notable safety profile. All recorded instances of cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome were limited to Grade 1. Larry W. Kwak, scientific founder of PeproMene Bio, suggested that this safety margin might eventually allow for outpatient administration, expanding access to care. The trial has since expanded from its initial site at City of Hope to multiple medical centers across the United States. Future development for follicular lymphoma is backed by an $11 million commitment from the Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation, aimed at refining the treatment for patients facing limited options.