Recent technological advances have revealed considerable heterogeneity in the mutational profiles of tumours. A fundamental challenge is to translate these genomic discoveries into effective, personalized treatments for patients. One promising approach is to harness the power and exquisite specificity of each patient’s own immune system.
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a particularly effective form of immunotherapy for leukemia and lymphoma patients. This strategy involves isolating T cells from patients, genetically engineering the cells to recognize and destroy the patient’s cancer, and then infusing the patient’s own cells back into their body. As the Cell Manufacturing Leader, I am responsible for a team that is generating CAR-T cells for patients across Canada.
- BSc (Biochemistry and Microbiology), University of Victoria, 2000
- PhD (Medical Genetics), University of British Columbia, 2006