by Masood Hussain
SRINAGAR: Dr Khalid Shah, a Kashmiri scientist of global renown, has made another groundbreaking advancement in cancer research by developing a safety mechanism to eliminate cancer-killing cells after they have served their purpose. This latest innovation builds upon his earlier revolutionary work, where he engineered cancer cells to transform into cancer killers—a pioneering approach that has redefined possibilities in the treatment of glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer in adults.
The newly devised “safety switch” leverages RIPK3, an enzyme essential for programmed cell death, to ensure that the engineered cancer-killing cells self-destruct after completing their therapeutic mission. This method enhances the safety of cell-based therapies while maintaining their effectiveness. Published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation on January 16, the research demonstrates that this mechanism not only eliminates the therapeutic cells but also stimulates the immune system to continue its fight against tumours. In laboratory models, the technique has shown promising results, including improved tumour suppression, better survival rates, and reinvigoration of immune cells.
This breakthrough complements Dr Shah’s earlier work, in which he developed a method to repurpose tumour cells into cancer killers. Harnessing the natural ability of cancer cells to locate and target other cancerous cells, his therapy involves editing tumour cells to deliver therapeutic agents directly to the tumour. The approach addresses significant challenges in drug delivery by ensuring that treatments reach even the most inaccessible tumour sites.
Dr Shah’s earlier research introduced two innovative techniques. The first, referred to as the “off-the-shelf” method, uses pre-engineered tumour cells matched to a patient’s immune fingerprint to target cancer. The second approach, known as the “autologous” technique, involves editing a patient’s tumour cells using CRISPR technology to deliver therapeutic molecules. These modified cells are then reintroduced into the patient to combat the disease.
The integration of these two discoveries represents a comprehensive approach to cancer therapy. By engineering cancer cells to act as precise tumour killers and then devising a mechanism to safely destroy these therapeutic cells after their job is done, Dr Shah’s work has opened a new frontier in oncology.
Dr Shah, who is currently the Vice Chairman of Research at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Centre for Stem Cell and Translational Immunotherapy, has been widely recognised for his contributions to the field. His work has been featured in leading journals such as Nature Neuroscience, Science Translational Medicine, and Lancet Oncology. His innovations have also drawn significant media attention, with outlets like CNN and BBC highlighting his achievements.
Beyond his research, Dr Shah has mentored students from over 45 countries and authored two influential books on stem cell therapeutics. He holds more than fifteen patents and has founded two biotech companies dedicated to translating his discoveries into clinical applications. His achievements have been recognised with numerous awards, including honours from the American Cancer Society and the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy.
“Our goal is to create therapies that are both innovative and translatable,” Dr Shah stated. “By ensuring the safety and efficacy of cell-based therapies, we aim to make a lasting impact on medicine and improve the lives of patients worldwide.”
With these dual breakthroughs, Dr Shah has redefined the landscape of cancer treatment. His pioneering work not only offers hope for glioblastoma patients but also lays the groundwork for safer and more effective cell-based therapies in the future.
Dr Shah’s advancements come at a critical time when glioblastoma, despite being the most common type of brain cancer, has one of the bleakest prognoses, with most patients surviving only 12 to 18 months after diagnosis. His research not only offers hope for extending survival rates but also opens new avenues for targeting other types of cancers.
The safety switch mechanism developed by Dr Shah and his team has potential applications beyond glioblastoma. The technology could be adapted for use in other cell therapies, such as those involving T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and stem cells. This adaptability positions the discovery as a cornerstone for the next generation of personalised cancer treatments, where therapies are tailored not only to the type of cancer but also to the individual needs of patients.
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