Groundbreaking Research on T Cell Therapies for HPV-Related Cancers Shows Promise in Long-Term Remissions

Introduction

A recent study from the Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Jersey's only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, along with RWJBarnabas Health, has unveiled promising results regarding T cell therapies aimed at treating HPV-related cancers. This research, demonstrated at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer's (SITC) annual meeting, offers hope for patients battling advanced forms of the disease.

Overview of the Studies

The research encompasses clinical trials focusing on two different T cell therapies targeting HPV-associated epithelial cancers. Dr. Christian Hinrichs, Co-Director of the Duncan and Nancy MacMillan Cancer Immunology and Metabolism Center, led the studies presented during the SITC event held from November 5-9, 2025, in National Harbor, Maryland.

In one trial, genetically engineered T cells targeting the HPV16 E7 oncoprotein were evaluated in patients suffering from metastatic HPV-associated cancers. The study included 10 participants with generally incurable advanced cancers, including head and neck, cervical, anal, and esophageal cancers. The treatment protocol featured a preparative regimen followed by a single infusion of up to 50 billion E7 T cells, accompanied by a median of three doses of the adjuvant aldesleukin. Remarkably, 60% of the participants experienced significant tumor shrinkage, with two patients achieving complete and sustained tumor regression for more than a year.

Dr. Hinrichs highlighted, “Our findings indicate that E7-directed T cells can successfully induce significant responses, sometimes even complete remission in patients with few remaining options.” The cell therapy was developed through a collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, with product manufacturing occurring at the Rutgers Institute’s on-site GMP facility. This infrastructure supports turnkey cell therapy development, ensuring exceptional quality and compliance throughout the clinical trial process.

Patient Testimonials

The impact of these therapies on patients has been profound. Maria, a Philadelphia resident and participant in the trial, shared her inspiring journey: "When I finished treatment, I couldn't believe how quickly I started feeling better. Within a month, the nodules were gone, and for the first time in years, I felt free, full of energy.