Control of Disease Recurrence by Tumor-Infiltrating T Cells in Ovarian Cancer

摘要

Ovarian cancer patients with large numbers of T cells in their tumor live longer after chemotherapy compared to patients with fewer T cells in their tumor. Our goal is to use modern genomic techniques to identify the antigens recognized by these T cells, with an emphasis on new antigens that arise during chemotherapy. To this end, we are collecting matched primary and recurrent tumor tissue from ovarian cancer patients (Tasks 1-2); this is progressing well. The antigen receptors expressed by tumor-infiltrating T cells (Task 2) and B cells (Task 3) have been identified in several patients by DNA sequencing methods. Primary and recurrent tumor tissue from one patient has been analyzed by whole exome sequencing, and a large number of candidate mutations have been identified (Task 4). Finally, new methods have been developed to rapidly test the recognition of tumor mutations by T cells from patients (Task 5). Overall, this project is progressing on schedule and is yielding publishable results and leveraged funding.