A CRISPR-augmented stem cell transplant that protects healthy cells from the toxic effects of anti-cancer medicines has shown preliminary evidence that it can delay relapse in patients with an aggressive form of leukemia, its maker Vor Biopharma said Thursday.
In the early stage study, eight of 10 patients with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia remain in remission after receiving a transplant with the Vor therapy, called trem-cel, followed by maintenance treatment with intensified doses of Mylotarg, a standard anti-leukemic medicine that is typically limited by unacceptable toxicity.
Trem-cel was well-tolerated, with no case of severe myelosuppression, the most common side effect of Mylotarg, reported.
