Insights from the “Bridging the Gap” Webinar, April 2024
The April 5, 2024, the Bridging the Gap webinar brought together experts and patients in a dynamic discussion that highlighted the groundbreaking advancements and persistent challenges in the field of cell and gene therapy (CGT), particularly in cancer immunotherapy. Guest speakers Kristen Hege, MD, former SVP, Early Clinical Development, Hematology/Oncology & Cell Therapy at Bristol-Myers Squibb, and patient advocate Laurie Adami shared their insights, showcasing the transformative power of CGT in revolutionizing cancer treatment.
The discussion not only delved into the intricacies of CAR T-cell therapy but also emphasized the collaborative efforts, resilience, and innovation needed to bridge gaps in medical advancements and patient care, reflecting broader trends shaping the CGT landscape.
Unleashing the Potential of CAR T-Cell Therapy
The webinar started with a deep dive into the advancements of cancer immunotherapy, notably focusing on CAR T-cell therapy’s transformative impact, especially in treating multiple myeloma patients. Dr. Hege’s groundbreaking work highlighted the journey from collaborative research efforts to FDA approval, ushering in a new era of hope and possibilities for countless individuals battling cancer.
A poignant statement from Laurie Adami’s journey as a cancer survivor reflected on the moment she saw the film “Fire With Fire” by Ross Kauffman, showcasing Emily Whitehead’s story, “I watched this film and the lights go on… If I can stay alive until this comes out for follicular cancer, this could make the difference… I have so much hope hearing about this.”
A new film showcasing Emily Whitehead’s story titled “Superhuman Body: World of Medical Marvels” with an opening by Matthew McConaughey, was recently released in IMAX and online.
Progress, Challenges, and Collaborative Solutions
The webinar also delved into the significant progress made in managing side effects and expanding the availability of CAR-T cell therapy across regions. Dr. Hege emphasized the success stories in treating various blood cancers, signaling a breakthrough in the field. Further discussion highlighted the continuing challenges, such as patient awareness, insurance coverage gaps, and the imperative need for more durable treatment targets.
Dr. Hege’s reflection encapsulated the dichotomy: “The progress that’s been made in side effect management, that’s been huge.” Meanwhile, access issues still exist for many patients: “There’s still a lack of awareness, there’s a lack of availability,” said Laurie. “There are a whole lot of issues for the patient.”
Key takeaways:
- Advancements in Cancer Immunotherapy: The discussion focused on the development and impact of CAR T-cell therapy, especially in treating multiple myeloma patients. Dr. Hege’s work highlighted the journey from research collaborations to FDA approval, bringing hope to many.
- The Power of Patient Advocacy: Laurie’s story exemplified the transformative impact of CAR T-cell therapy on cancer patients. Her experience navigating clinical trials and eventually finding success with CAR T-cell therapy showcased the importance of patient advocacy and resilience.
- Innovation and Collaboration: The webinar discussion underscored the importance of collaboration between scientists, clinicians, technology enablers, and patients in advancing cell and gene therapies. Dr. Hege’s journey from academia to the biotech industry highlighted the need for innovative approaches to tackle serious diseases like cancer and HIV.
- Progress in Cell Therapy: Significant progress has been made in side effect management and the availability of CAR-T cell therapy, especially in treating blood cancers.
- Challenges and Barriers: Despite advancements, challenges such as patient awareness, insurance coverage, and the need for more durable targets persist, highlighting areas for further improvement.
Empowering Women in Science and Medicine
In the final segment, Dr. Hege shed light on initiatives empowering women in the scientific and medical domains, including the Early Career Women’s Leadership Conference. She urged women in leadership roles to focus on mentorship and support for the next generation. Dr. Hege’s call for more women in executive positions resonated: “What can we do to really help the women who have all that potential? Every metric shows that more diversity leads to greater success by every measure.”
The Bridging the Gap webinar not only showcased the immense strides in cancer immunotherapy but also underscored the collaborative spirit essential for continued innovation. It emphasized the pressing need to address challenges such as patient access, insurance coverage gaps, and fostering diversity and inclusion in leadership roles within the scientific and medical communities.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of cell and gene therapy, these discussions serve as a clarion call for concerted efforts, resilience, and innovative solutions to bridge gaps, empower patients, and drive meaningful progress in healthcare.
About the Guest
Dr. Kristen Hege
Dr. Kristen Hege, a retired Clinical Professor of Medicine specializing in Hematology/Oncology at UCSF and former Senior Vice President of Early Clinical Development at Bristol Myers Squibb, pioneered notable advancements in cellular therapy. A trailblazer in cancer immunotherapy, her collaborations with luminaries like Carl June and Bruce Levine have led to FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapies, notably Abecma for multiple myeloma. In 2023, Dr. Hege and her husband, Gib Biddle, embarked on a 2658-mile Pacific Crest Trail thru hiking adventure to commemorate and raise money to support advances in cellular immunotherapy research and, in particular, to support the next generation of early career women physicians and scientists working in this exciting field.