From the "Lombardia is Research" Award, a Meeting on CAR-T Therapies

The first results of the collaboration between Lombardy Region and the University of Pennsylvania on developing CAR-T therapies against cancer were presented at the first Lombardia UPenn Scientific Retreat, held on 10 June at the IRCCS San Raffaele in Milan.

CAR-T therapies, currently approved for blood cancers such as leukaemias and lymphomas, represent one of the most promising frontiers of cancer immunotherapy.

The event reviewed the international scientific collaboration arising from the "Lombardy is Research" Award 2023, awarded to immunotherapy pioneers Steven Rosenberg and Carl June. The joint project was indeed launched by Carl June, professor at the University of Pennsylvania, using the award funds.

"We now have a transatlantic collaboration with young researchers. And that is going to last, the impact of this project will go on for decades," explained Carl June. "In my laboratory I have an Italian postdoc, and we will have several others, four of are going to speak today. It's an award that will continue way beyond one ceremony."

The 2025 edition of the International "Lombardia è Ricerca" Award by Lombardy Region is once again focused on the medical field, specifically on "Early Diagnosis and Preventive Medicine".
Applications for the 2025 Award are now open.
If you are a researcher or innovator who has made a significant contribution to the award’s themes, submit your application by filling out this form at the following link.

An investment generating innovation

The day saw leading international experts in cellular therapies come together, with sessions dedicated to next-generation CAR-T cells, applications in haematological diseases, therapy safety and prospects for solid tumours, in a scientific programme of the highest quality.

Andrea Biondi, scientific director of the Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori in Monza, illustrated the progress of CAR-CIK cells, a type of innovative CAR-T cells developed in Lombardy.

"We use donor cells instead of autologous ones, and a non-viral method to introduce the transgene," he explained. "It's a platform that in terms of procedures and manufacturing, costs and probably also safety, is applicable to haematological pathologies, but which in future could be of great interest for solid tumours as well."

Young researchers "on the move" at the heart of the project

Among the protagonists of the initiative are the young Italian researchers benefiting from fellowships funded by the Award.

Federico Rossari, a junior doctor in oncology with a research Ph.D, who presented an innovative platform developed within Professor Naldini's group at San Raffaele, tells: "This project allows me to deepen my interest in cellular therapies at one of the world's leading institutions, which is the University of Pennsylvania. The ease with which cellular products can be tested in humans in the United States differs greatly from Italy."

The collaboration has already started a flow of researchers between the two sides of the Atlantic. Marco Ruella, an Italian researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, emphasises: "It's really an excellent project because it allows us to organise this working group between Lombardy and UPenn with students going back and forth, with conferences like this where researchers active in the field, from both continents, come together and discuss collaborations."

Towards new therapeutic frontiers

The Retreat also highlighted progress towards applying CAR-T cells to solid tumours. "We are probably about 10 years behind for solid tumours," declared June. "Last year saw a big change of pace, in that several groups showed that CAR-T cells for brain cancer, which is one of the worst kinds of cancer, bring a real benefit." On this topic, Professor Zev Binder presented his work on innovative strategies for glioblastoma, whilst other groups are exploring applications for pancreatic, breast and prostate cancers.

A model of collaboration between academia and industry

The event also highlighted the virtuous role of collaboration between academia and industry. "Our CAR-T cells were made in the academic setting and then they became commercially approved. That's a very healthy thing," explained June. "But what we're also seeing is a reciprocal interaction, where with the pharmaceutical industry works at academic centres to make next generation therapies, and those later become commercial products. In this way everyone can benefit from this research.”

Andrea Biondi emphasises how this approach is fundamental for innovation: "Competing with big pharma is not achievable, there can at most be great collaboration. I believe this is the fundamental role that universities must play." The CAR-CIK cells developed in Monza represent precisely this model: "The fact that these therapies were developed in Monza and had their clinical development in a paediatric and an adult institutions in Lombardy, is another reason for satisfaction for this region."

The next appointment is set for the end of the year with a second Retreat, to be held in Philadelphia, where young researchers will be able to present not only their plans, but also the first concrete results of this transatlantic collaboration.