Clinical trials start on leukaemia and prostate cancer

Both studies are running across all six BZKF sites: Augsburg, Erlangen, Munich (LMU and TUM), Regensburg and Würzburg. The aim of BZKF funding is to give cancer patients in Bavaria access to innovative diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as early as possible.

Bavaria's Science Minister Markus Blume commented: "For six years, our Bavarian university hospitals have been fighting together in the BZKF against the great scourge of humanity. In line with the motto 'Sharing knowledge, healing people', each hospital is contributing its strengths - from AI to immunotherapy."

The Free State of Bavaria has supported the cancer research centre with over 72 million euros since it was founded. This efficient and networked infrastructure enables cutting-edge oncological medicine in all regions of Bavaria.

New cell therapy against aggressive leukaemia

The ERASE-AML study is aimed at patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a particularly aggressive form of blood cancer. Despite modern treatment methods, the chances of recovery are still limited: Only 3 in 10 patients survive the first five years after diagnosis. For many patients, a transfer of foreign stem cells is the only chance of a cure. Nevertheless, relapses often occur - and effective treatment options are then limited.

The study is testing a novel form of personalised cell-based immunotherapy. The T immune cells of a stem cell donor are specifically stimulated in the laboratory with several leukaemia-specific protein components. This creates a broadly effective immune response directed against various leukaemia characteristics. In addition, the T-cells are equipped with an artificial docking and activation structure (CARs), which is intended to boost the activity of the T-cells in the body.

The T cells "trained" and specifically boosted in this way are used in patients with a high risk of relapse or early relapse after a stem cell transplant. The aim is to permanently eliminate remaining leukaemia cells and prevent relapses.

The study is being led by Dr Veit Bücklein and Professor Marion Subklewe (LMU Klinikum München). The funding volume amounts to around three million euros.

Better diagnostics for patients with prostate cancer

The PRIME study is investigating how prostate cancer - one of the most common types of cancer in men - can be diagnosed more precisely and with less risk to patients. Until now, an elevated PSA level in the blood and an abnormal MRI scan have usually been followed by a biopsy. For many of those affected, this is a major physical and emotional burden - unpleasant, painful and associated with possible infections.

The aim of the study is to investigate whether additional imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) and computer tomography (CT) can further improve the diagnosis. With PSMA-PET/CT, prostate cancer cells can be visualised even more precisely using a very small amount of a radioactive drug.

In the study, 150 men with abnormal MRI scans will also receive this examination. Depending on the results, fewer or more targeted biopsies should then be necessary for the reliable diagnosis of prostate cancer requiring treatment. The aim is to detect aggressive tumours early and reliably while avoiding unnecessary interventions.

Professors Matthias Eiber (TUM Clinical Centre Munich) and Matthias Heck (University Hospital Augsburg) are leading the study. The funding amounts to 2.2 million euros.

Important milestone for the BZKF

"The studies mark an important milestone for the BZKF," says Professor Andreas Mackensen, Director of the BZKF. "Patients throughout Bavaria can take part without having to travel long distances."

Patient representative Ortwin Thiel: "For those affected, the start of these studies means hope above all - hope for more effective therapies for high-risk leukaemia and for gentler, more accurate diagnostics for prostate cancer."

Free counselling on the citizens' hotline

The BZKF aims to give all citizens in Bavaria access to the best possible and innovative therapies, regardless of where they live. With the BürgerTelefonKrebs, the BZKF offers an uncomplicated way to obtain individual advice on all questions relating to cancer by calling the free telephone number 0800 85 100 80.