Oncology researchers expand immunotherapy research for CLL and HIV-associated lymphoma

Medical professionals and researchers are advancing immunotherapy research for patients with relapsed or refractory lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

At a recent Community Case Forum, oncology specialists discussed evolving treatment modalities, including the use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and targeted agents for CLL. Experts highlighted the importance of evaluating these emerging options alongside traditional therapies to manage recurrent disease.

Simultaneously, research is expanding to include populations previously excluded from clinical trials, specifically patients living with HIV. Investigations by the AIDS Malignancy Consortium and the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research are examining the safety and efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies in HIV-associated aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Data from a matched cohort analysis indicated that cytokine release syndrome occurred less frequently in HIV-positive patients receiving CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy compared to those without HIV.