From scorpion to immunotherapy: City of Hope scientists repurpose toxin for first-of-its kind CAR-T cell therapy for brain tumors

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on email
Share on print

City of Hope scientists have developed and tested the first chimeric antigen receptor therapy using chlorotoxin, a component of scorpion venom, to direct T cells to target brain tumor cells, according to a preclinical study published March 4 in Science Translational Medicine. The institution has also opened the first in-human clinical trial to use the therapy.

To access this subscriber-only content please log in or subscribe.

If your institution has a site license, log in with IP-login or register for a sponsored account.*
*Not all site licenses are enrolled in sponsored accounts.

Login Subscribe
Table of Contents

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

In April 2025, announcements from the two most influential biomedical agencies in the US, the FDA and the NIH, declared that both will seek to reduce and minimize animal-based testing and experimentation. These declarations sparked joy in some circles, and deep concern in others that was reflected in a 28% fall in the share price of Charles River Labs (NYSE: NYSE:CRL). 
Over the past three decades, cancer genetics has transformed precision oncology. Germline testing has advanced from single-gene Sanger sequencing to parallel sequencing of hundreds of genes, while tumor (somatic) testing has expanded with the rise of targeted therapies based on point mutations, copy number changes and other alterations. 

Never miss an issue!

Get alerts for our award-winning coverage in your inbox.

Login