Ghent is partner in ambitious international (ATTRACT) study to improve treatment of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

(text based on the press release by Kom op tegen Kanker)

Ghent University Hospital is partner in an ambitious, international (ATTRACT) study, called ARI-ChALL, which investigates whether an innovative, academically developed CAR-T cell therapy can be used in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia during their first relapse

The prognosis for children that relapse from acute lymphoblastic leukemia is currently poor, and is associated with serious side effects. The new ARI-chALL study - which will take place in Belgium (Ghent), Spain, the Netherlands, France, and Italy - aims to change that. The study investigates whether an innovative, academically developed CAR-T cell therapy can be used in children experiencing their first relapse. This therapy can significantly increase their chances of recovery while significantly reducing the severe toxicity of the current standard treatment.

Belgium plays a crucial role in this study thanks to the expertise and infrastructure of Ghent University Hospital. Researchers are testing an academically developed CAR-T cell therapy, in which the patient's immune cells are modified to specifically eliminate cancer cells. By implementing this therapy earlier, they hope to significantly increase survival rates, avoid complex treatments like stem cell transplants, and improve the quality of life of young patients. Furthermore, the study should contribute to faster, broader, and affordable access to this innovative treatment in Europe.

Prof. Barbara De Moerloose, head of the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Department UZ Gent & CRIG group leader:

By utilizing unique facilities – GMP cleanrooms – these cells can be prepared in the hospital. This not only saves time for the patient but also limits the costs and risks of transporting living cells. Ghent University Hospital has such a GMP facility for gene and cell therapy, where production will take place.

The ARI-chALL study is among the best-assessed projects from the second ATTRACT call. ATTRACT (Accelerate Together Rare Cancer Treatment) is an international collaboration between European cancer organizations to accelerate the development of high-quality clinical trials for rare cancers. Importantly, Kom op Tegen Kanker joined forces with other European anti-cancer charities, and made a significant investment (more than 1.3 million EUR for the ARI-chALL study) in this important initiative . 

Read more in the full press release by Kom op tegen Kanker