CSPG4 as an important therapeutic target in glioblastoma
A recent study has proved that the CSPG4-antigen can be an amenable therapeutic target in molecular immunotherapy using genetically modified chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells
Main content
Our research over the course of some 15 years or so demonstrated CSPG4 as an important therapeutic target in glioblastoma through its multiple mechanisms in promoting tumor growth, angiogenesis, chemotherapy and radiotherapy resistence. Indeed, we showed that high CSPG4 expression in GBM patients is independently prognostic for poor survival outcome.
A recent study has now taken this body of work to the next level and proved that this antigen can be an amenable therapeutic target in molecular immunotherapy using genetically modified chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells. Although the study is undertaken in mice, it provides a proof of concept that this approach may be attempted in hard to treat GBM patients, provided the necessary precautions are in place.
As an expert on this antigen, with over 15 years of research providing important information on how expression of NG2/CSPG4 in GBM impacts malignant progression, Martha Enger was involved in the discussion of the implications of these new findings for future therapy of GBM patients.
Read more:
http://cancerdiscovery.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2018/03/14/2159-8290.CD-NB2018-032
