Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

Cellular Therapy Emerges as a Front-Runner in Medical Innovation TAOYUAN, Oct. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cellular therapy, a revolutionary approach where cells are manipulated outside the body and then reintroduced to treat or prevent diseases, has been recognized in recent years as a highly promising treatment in the medical field. Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan has been at the forefront of this innovation since 2018, when it established a Good Tissue Practice (GTP) laboratory with six cell processing labs adhering to international PICS/GMP cleanliness standards. The hospital actively supports clinical trials for various immune cells and regenerative medicine, with its Department of Laboratory Medicine certified by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and responsible for issuing quality control reports for cell production processes. Continue Reading Chang Gung Memorial Hospital utilizes synthetic cancer cell antigens to train patients' immune cells to recognize and fight cancer cells. After multiplying, these immune cells are reintroduced into the body to eliminate cancer cells, all while using chemotherapy and radiotherapy to improve treatment outcomes. (Photo courtesy of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital) Autologous Dendritic Cell-Cytokine Induced Killer Cell Immunotherapy (DC-CIK) Dr. Wei-Chen Lee, Vice-Superintendent at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, a leading institution in liver transplantation in Taiwan, has been researching autologous dendritic cells (DC) for liver cancer treatment since 1998. His therapy has achieved remarkable results, with no tumor growth post-treatment and a disease control rate of 70-80%. His team is now advancing research on cancer vaccines, aiming to initiate treatment immediately post-surgery to prevent cancer recurrence. Professor John Yu from the Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research (ISCTCR) has developed a novel three-stage "apexNK" expansion technology for natural killer (NK) cells. Combined with a high-efficiency viral transduction method, this technology produces new CAR-NK cells, overcoming the limitations of traditional CAR therapies in treating solid tumors. Director Shuen-Iu Hung from the Cancer Vaccine and Immune Cell Therapy Core Laboratory has completed Phase I clinical trials targeting tumor neoantigens for solid cancer treatment, paving the way for future applications in metastatic and multidrug-resistant tumors. CAR-T Cell Therapy: A Living Drug Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment CAR-T cell therapy, or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, represents a groundbreaking immunotherapy that combines gene therapy and cellular therapy. Dubbed the "living drug," the treatment modifies the patient's immune T-cells genetically, enabling them to precisely target and eliminate specific cancer cells. These engineered and expanded T-cells are then reintroduced into the patient's body. The therapy has demonstrated remarkable success in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), earning accelerated approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Huahua, a 13-year-old, and Baobao, an 8-year-old, both boys, serve as examples. Both were diagnosed with ALL and later developed extramedullary relapse, with Huahua experiencing bilateral testicular enlargement and Baobao showing enlargement of the right testicle, accompanied by an increase in minimal residual disease (MRD). Faced with these challenging cases, Dr. Shih-Hsiang Chen, Deputy Director of the hospital's Pediatric Department, noted the limited effectiveness of traditional hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for extramedullary relapse. Local treatments such as orchidectomy or radiotherapy could also significantly impact the reproductive function of pediatric patients. After thorough discussions with the patients' families, the decision was made to proceed with CAR-T cell therapy. Following treatment, both patients experienced only mild fever and fatigue and were discharged after approximately two weeks. They continue to receive outpatient follow-up care. Dr. Cheng-Hsun Chiu, also a Vice-Superintendent at the hospital, said that advancements in cancer treatment have transformed the landscape, evolving from traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapy to targeted therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and now, pioneering cellular therapies like DC-CIK and CAR-T. Looking ahead, the evolution of immune cell therapy promises to usher in more technological breakthroughs, offering patients a broader array of treatment choices and significantly enhancing both treatment efficacy and quality of life. SOURCE Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

Research Confirms Effective Control of Large Liver Cancer, Doubling Survival Time Published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology TAOYUAN, Aug. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With cancer incidence on the rise, proton therapy has emerged as one of the most powerful tools in cancer treatment. Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, the first on the island to introduce proton therapy, has treated over 5,000 cancer patients with remarkable success. In a parallel research endeavor, the hospital's team found liver cancer patients treated with proton therapy achieve better tumor control and double the survival time compared to traditional X-ray radiation therapy, with fewer side effects. The findings were published in the March 2024 edition of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, the leading international journal in the field of radiation oncology. Continue Reading Proton therapy treats a variety of cancers, including brain tumors, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, lung, breast, and liver cancers. It targets tumors with precision, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue compared to conventional X-ray radiation therapy. This method reduces radiation-induced side effects and is particularly effective in treating extensive liver cancers, enhancing patients' survival prospects. (Courtesy of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou) The doctors involved in the project explained that proton therapy serves as "surgical strike" deep within the body, only releasing significant radiation energy when the protons reach the target tumor and destroying it with utmost precision while minimizing damage to nearby normal tissues and reducing side effects. The pinpoint accuracy stands apart from traditional X-ray radiotherapy, which often incurs greater collateral damage. By allowing for safer dose escalation, proton therapy optimizes patient outcomes and maintains their quality of life. The hospital conducted a four-year follow-up study on 159 patients with extensive liver cancer undergoing either proton therapy or conventional X-ray radiotherapy. The results showed that the two-year local tumor control rate for proton therapy was 89%, significantly surpassing the 34% achieved with traditional X-ray. Additionally, the median survival time for those treated with proton therapy was 19 months—more than double the 8 months observed with X-ray treatments. Moreover, the incidence of liver failure, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, or severe lymphocytopenia was significantly lower in the proton therapy group. While many studies have confirmed the efficacy of proton therapy, larger-scale research on its effectiveness for tumors larger than 5 cm or previously intractable large liver cancers has yet to be conducted. Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, advises patients to obtain comprehensive professional consultation prior to treatment to ensure they receive the most optimal care. Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou is one of the largest proton radiation therapy centers in Asia, with patients from over 30 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. The hospital houses an International Medical Center, providing professional medical consultations, second opinions, medical arrangements, and coordinated multidisciplinary medical services, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and traditional Chinese medicine adjustments to offer comprehensive care for cancer patients. CONTACT: IMC CGMH, [email protected] SOURCE Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou

YONGIN, South Korea, July 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GC Cell Corporation (hereinafter referred to as "GC Cell"; 144510:KOSDAQ) and Lukas Biomedical Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Lukas," TWSE 6814) has formally signed an international strategic cooperation agreement. GC Cell is a fully integrated pioneer in cell and gene therapy and a subsidiary of the renowned Korean-listed pharmaceutical group Green Cross Corporation, which has a market value of approximately 1.3 trillion Korean won (around 1 billion US dollars). Continue Reading This collaboration aims to increase awareness of autologous T cell therapy as well as to expand the patient access market through leveraging each other's strengths in innovative cell treatment areas. By sharing cutting-edge research projects, clinical trial data, regulatory knowledge across multiple countries, and exploring clinical research, market development, and various activities for cancers and other challenging diseases, both parties strive to accelerate drug development and establish a platform for precision medicine solutions. This partnership seeks to bring the benefits of innovative cell therapy to a wider range of patients. Having successfully completed clinical trials in Japan and Korea, GC Cell's Immuncell-LC autologous T cell therapy obtained approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) in 2007 following favorable Phase IV trials. With a track record of over 10,000 treatment cases, GC Cell has been obtaining successful clinical and commercial records in Korea. Lukas's LuLym-T memory T cell cultivation technology originated from Japanese National Cancer Center and GC LTEC, formerly Lymphotec, a subsidiary of Green Cross Group. Based on the licensing agreement with originator of the technology and the tech transfer from the company, Lukas has brought this technology to Taiwan for market expansion and further enhancement. Taiwan's government has demonstrated significant commitment to the advancement of the regenerative medicine sector. Following the implementation of the Special Regulations on Regenerative Medicine, the Regenerative Medicine Act was enacted on June 4 this year. Lukas's LuLym-T cell therapy technology, supported by international clinical trials and evidence-based data generated by GC Cell, aligns closely with Taiwan governmental policies and regulations. It appears poised to secure a five-year conditional approval under the new regulations, thus establishing Lukas as a prominent player in Taiwan's cell therapy landscape, with a focus on domestic growth and global market expansion. Presently, Lukas has entered agreements with 13 medical institutions, including National Taiwan University Hospital, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and Taipei Veterans General Hospital, to conduct Phase II clinical trials focused on preventing liver cancer recurrence and exploring combined immunotherapy with chemotherapy/radiotherapy for head and neck cancer at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Lukas' Chairman, Dr. Eric Tang, highlighted that GC Cell and Lukas will collaborate through a Joint Committee (JC) to exchange expertise and experience in researching memory T cell technology for various cancers in their respective countries. This collaboration involves sharing clinical and commercial knowledge, insights, and strategies, as well as exploring opportunities for cross-licensing and conducting joint clinical trials (IITs and SITs) in each other's regions. Moreover, they aim to discuss the opportunities to jointly explore new international markets, joint investment and beyond. James Park, CEO of GC Cell, stated, "This strategic cooperation agreement represents a pivotal milestone in accelerating the advancement of innovative cell therapies in Korea and Taiwan and also in establishing global network and ecosystem of Cell and Gene Therapy. Looking ahead, we are committed to accelerating the global expansion of Immuncell-LC through the continuous exchange of clinical research data and the establishment of a strong, long-term partnership between our two companies." Dr. Eric Tang, Chairman of Lukas stated that: "In addition to our clinical trial for preventing liver cancer recurrence, the Taiwanese government's implementation of the Special Regulations on Regenerative Medicine has allowed us to apply our LuLym-T cell technology on advanced stage cancer patients with various types of solid tumors. We have accumulated vast clinical experience in concomitant use of LuLym-T cell together with conventional treatment, such as: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and checkpoint inhibitors. We are able to achieve significant prognostic improvements using a multi-modality treatment paradigm for advanced stage cancers and we hope we will be able to help more cancer patients in need by sharing our experience with other countries". This strategic cooperation represents a significant step toward a shared vision of improving patient outcomes through innovative cell therapies and precision medicine. About Immuncell-LC Immuncell-LC is the only commercially available treatment option of early-stage HCC. It is primarily composed of autologous, cultured blood-derived T lymphocytes with proven efficacy through a large-scale Phase 3 clinical trial which reduced the risk of recurrence by 37% and decreased the mortality rate by 79% compared to the control group. To date, Immuncell-LC has been administered to over 10,000 patients in South Korea without serious adverse events.  About GC Cell   With a core focus on cell therapy, GC Cell offers complete bio healthcare solutions from diagnosis to treatment, and the brand's comprehensive value chain spans R&D, production, commercialization, and distribution. More info: About Lukas Biomedical Lukas is dedicated to advancing its LuLym-T cell therapy R&D and clinical advancements, enhancing clinical trials and technologies, and expanding into foreign markets. Lukas has already attracted interest in Southeast Asia and is in talks and finalizing cooperation agreements with medical teams in the region. With a steady cash flow from its e-commerce business and hospital management platform, Lukas is well-positioned to expand its "LuLym-T" cell therapy business and, generating optimum value for shareholders and employees. SOURCE GC Cell