A breakthrough in stem cell transplantation research gives hope to people suffering from blood cancer

The team found that CD70 was present on T cells during the first two weeks after transplantation, a key period in the development of GVHD. They also had a high prognostic level in terms of disease development. CD70-positive T cells were also more active and exhibited unique genetic activity that made them ready to use energy and multiply rapidly, two factors involved in the inflammatory response that drives GVHD.

Dr Verma is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Birmingham Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy and researcher dealing with the topic of Cancer Inflammation at the University of National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Center (BRC)he said:
“T cells play a key role in the body’s immune response, and CD70 shows up on them when they are very active – especially when they respond aggressively to what they perceive as foreign, such as the patient’s own cells in the case of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) “

“Interestingly, in people with acute GVHD, the number of CD70-positive T cells, which were found in GVHD-affected tissues, increased. “Our laboratory tests have shown that blocking the interaction between CD70 and its partner molecule, CD27, reduces the aggressive behavior of these T cells. This suggests that interrupting the CD70-CD27 signal may be a new way to treat or even prevent GVHD by calming the overactive immune response.”

The research team now hopes to proceed with clinical trials that will help develop an early diagnostic test for GVHD, which does not currently exist. They also want to develop treatments that target CD70 to better control GVHD without suppressing the entire immune system.

Talking about research and hopes for the future, Dr. Verma said:
“The impact of this research is significant because it points to CD70 and its partner CD27 as a means of identifying specific T cells responsible for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Because CD27 is cleaved and found in the blood, we think we could measure it and use it as an early diagnostic marker for GVHD in a blood test. We are very well placed at the University of Birmingham to try and take this work forward, and with our knowledge we hope to develop better diagnosis and treatment for GVHD without suppressing the entire immune system. For people with blood cancer undergoing a stem cell transplant, it could mean a safer path to recovery and a better chance of living a healthy life after treatment.”

A hidden disease

Jane Leahy, 51, from Wimbledon, suffers from GVHD after undergoing a stem cell transplant while being treated for a blood cancer called acute myeloid leukemia. Talking about the condition she said:
“It’s really hard to live with this hidden disease, often no one knows what graft-versus-host disease even is; I’ve talked to doctors who didn’t do this. The disease always affects my life, I can’t even go away for a weekend without thinking about a treatment plan, it’s a constant thing to think about. Physically I am doing everything I can, but my lung function has deteriorated significantly. I’m moving slower than I’d like, and even when I go up, I’m out of breath – it’s a constant weight on my shoulders.

“No one knows how my graft-versus-host disease will progress, but I’ve been told it will never get better. Although it won’t help me, I’m very pleased that Blood Cancer UK is funding research to shed light on this devastating disease to help others. If this research plays a role in helping people receiving a stem cell transplant understand how they can come out of it without long-term health effects, that’s an amazing and exciting prospect.”

Dr Richard Francis, deputy director of research at Blood Cancer UK, said: “Our national blood cancer action plan highlighted the life-limiting side effects of current treatments and the fact that survival rates for people with blood cancer in the UK lag behind those of countries of similar wealth and health. These laboratory discoveries represent an important first step in developing gentler treatments for people with blood cancer. This progress would not be possible without the generosity of our supporters and the expertise of researchers. For people like Jane, we are committed to working towards a future where no one dies from blood cancer or its treatment.”