Advanced Workshop on CAR-T Therapy- Oncology and Beyond
“Advancing CAR-T Therapy: From Oncology to Novel Applications”
Skills you will gain:
About Program:
CAR-T therapy has revolutionized the field of oncology, offering personalized and highly effective treatments for certain cancers. This 3-day workshop dives deep into the biological principles behind CAR-T therapy, from T-cell engineering to antigen targeting, along with real-world applications and case studies in oncology. Participants will explore the full therapeutic landscape, including FDA-approved therapies and emerging treatments.
Beyond oncology, CAR-T therapy is now being explored for autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and other non-cancerous conditions. The workshop will discuss the future directions of CAR-T research and clinical trials, addressing the current hurdles in scaling these therapies. Participants will also engage in sessions, including CAR-T cell manufacturing, regulatory frameworks, and understanding the ethical considerations surrounding gene editing and cellular therapies.
Aim: This advanced workshop on “CAR-T Therapy: Oncology and Beyond” aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, its mechanisms, clinical applications, and future potential beyond oncology. Participants will gain insights into the latest developments, challenges, and innovations in CAR-T therapy for both cancer treatment and other emerging applications.
Program Objectives:
- Understand the fundamentals of CAR-T cell biology and immunotherapy mechanisms.
- Explore CAR-T therapy applications in oncology and beyond.
- Learn about the latest innovations, clinical trials, and emerging applications.
- Gain knowledge of CAR-T cell manufacturing and regulatory requirements.
- Discuss ethical, safety, and scalability challenges in CAR-T therapy.
What you will learn?
Day 1: Introduction to CAR-T Therapy
Workshop Overview
- Introduction to the workshop structure and objectives
- Importance of CAR-T therapy in modern oncology
Introduction to Immunotherapy
- What is immunotherapy?
- The role of the immune system in cancer treatment
- Overview of different immunotherapy approaches (Monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T)
CAR-T Therapy Basics
- What is CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy?
- Mechanism of CAR-T: How it works (T-cell modification and cancer cell targeting)
- Historical development of CAR-T therapy
- Overview of FDA-approved CAR-T therapies (e.g., Kymriah, Yescarta, Breyanzi)
The Science Behind CAR-T
- T-cell biology and role in immune response
- CAR-T cell structure and function: Antigen recognition, CAR components
- Process of CAR-T cell therapy (from patient cell collection to infusion)
Clinical Indications of CAR-T Therapy
- Types of cancers treated with CAR-T (leukemia, lymphoma, etc.)
- Patient selection and eligibility criteria
- Success rates and key clinical outcomes
Q&A and Recap
- Open floor for questions
- Summary of key learnings from Day 1
Day 2: CAR-T Therapy Manufacturing and Clinical Applications
Recap of Day 1 and Key Takeaways
- Brief review of the fundamentals of CAR-T therapy
CAR-T Manufacturing Process
- Overview of the CAR-T cell production process
- Steps: T-cell collection, genetic modification (viral vectors), CAR-T expansion, and infusion
- Challenges in manufacturing (scalability, cost, and logistics)
- Ensuring safety and efficacy during production
- Automation and emerging trends in CAR-T manufacturing
Clinical Administration of CAR-T Therapy
- Patient preparation: Lymphodepleting chemotherapy
- The CAR-T infusion process
- Managing side effects and toxicities: Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), Neurotoxicity
- CAR-T monitoring and patient management post-infusion
- Long-term follow-up and remission rates
Real-World Case Studies
- Analysis of real-world CAR-T patient outcomes (success stories and challenges)
- Discussion of clinical trials and their significance in CAR-T advancements
- Case study presentations with interactive Q&A
Q&A and Recap
- Address any questions
- Summarize the session learnings
Day 3: Future Directions, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations
Recap of Day 2 and Key Takeaways
- Brief review of the CAR-T manufacturing and clinical process
Advancements and Innovations in CAR-T
- Next-generation CAR-T therapies: Dual-targeting CARs, armored CARs, and universal CAR-T cells
- CAR-NK and other cellular therapies in development
- Use of CAR-T beyond hematologic malignancies (solid tumors)
- Emerging technology: CRISPR and gene editing in CAR-T optimization
Overcoming Current Challenges
- Resistance to CAR-T therapy and relapse in patients
- Addressing high costs and accessibility issues
- Managing side effects more effectively
- Overcoming the complexity of treating solid tumors
Ethical and Regulatory Considerations
- Ethical challenges in gene-modified therapies (access, cost, and equity)
- Informed consent and patient education
- Regulatory pathways for CAR-T approval (FDA, EMA)
- Impact of CAR-T on the healthcare system (insurance coverage, cost of care)
Future of CAR-T: Looking Ahead
- Predictions for the next 5–10 years in CAR-T therapy
- Personalized medicine and the integration of AI and data in CAR-T treatment
- Potential for CAR-T in combination therapies
Open Discussion and Q&A
- Group discussion on the future of CAR-T
- Audience questions and expert responses
Conclusion and Wrap-Up
- Recap of the entire 3-day workshop
- Final thoughts and takeaways
Mentor Profile
Fee Plan
Get an e-Certificate of Participation!
Intended For :
- Undergraduate or graduate degree in Biotechnology, Immunology, Biomedical Sciences, or related fields.
- Medical professionals, oncologists, and clinical researchers involved in cell-based therapies.
- Individuals with an interest in gene therapy, cellular therapies, or advanced medical treatments.
Career Supporting Skills
Program Outcomes
- Master CAR-T cell biology and engineering principles.
- Gain insights into the clinical applications of CAR-T therapies in cancer and other diseases.
- Understand the regulatory and ethical frameworks governing CAR-T therapies.
- Acquire skills in CAR-T cell manufacturing and quality control.
- Explore future innovations and applications of CAR-T beyond oncology.