The 66th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, held from December 7 to 10, 2024, in San Diego, showcased cutting-edge advancements in hematology. Among the highlights was a study led by Dr. Peihua Lu from the Beijing Lu Daopei Hematology Hospital, presenting Phase I clinical trial results on CD7 CAR-T cell therapy for relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (R/R PTCL). In this feature, Hematology Frontier invited Professor Lu to share insights into the study's findings, the strategy for expanding CD7 CAR-T indications, and future research plans.

Abstract No.: 2075

English Title: CD7-Targeted CAR-T Cell Therapy Shows Promising Efficacy and Safety in Treating Refractory/Relapsed Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: Phase I Clinical Trial Presenter: Dr. Peihua Lu

Dr. Peihua Lu: Our team has been dedicated to developing CD7 CAR-T therapy for hematologic malignancies for several years. To date, we have treated over 300 cases, accumulating extensive clinical experience. Our initial focus was on refractory or relapsed T-ALL and T-LBL. Among 60 patients, we observed an extraordinary 95% CR rate, even for extramedullary disease. Long-term outcomes post-allo-HSCT were equally impressive.”

Expanding indications:

• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): Preliminary trials of CD7 CAR-T in CD7-positive AML showed a 70% CR rate, with results soon to be published in Blood.

New applications:

• R/R PTCL: This Phase I trial, though limited in sample size, achieved 3 CRs among 5 patients, many with diffuse extramedullary disease—a remarkable outcome given the challenges of this malignancy.

Given the heterogeneity of T-cell hematologic malignancies, standalone CAR-T therapy is insufficient. Consolidative allo-HSCT remains crucial for sustained remission and potential cure. The future of CD7 CAR-T therapy is promising, and we will continue to refine its use to benefit more patients.”

Executive Medical Director, Lu Daopei Hospital

President, Beijing Lu Daopei Hematology Hospital

Education and Training:

• Graduated from Peking University Health Science Center.
• Residency at University of Nebraska Medical Center, USA.
• Completed hematology and oncology training at Stanford University, USA.
• Certified hematology and oncology specialist in the USA and China.

Professional Affiliations:

• Committee Member, Oncology Department, Capital Medical University.
• Founding Member, Non-Public Medical Institutions Association, China.
• Chair, Hematology Committee, Chinese Non-Public Medical Institutions Association.
• Member, CSCO Leukemia Alliance Expert Committee.

Awards and Recognition:

• Recipient of the 2021 Taishan Value Medical Award for Medical Management.

Through relentless research and innovation, Professor Lu remains a leader in advancing CAR-T cell therapies and improving outcomes for hematologic malignancies