> Our Work > The Work We Fund

2022 Robert Kraft, Adam Cohn, and Igor Tulchinsky – PCF Young Investigator Award

Modulating T cell State to Prevent Radiation-Induced Lymphopenia and Enhance Anti-Tumor Immunity

Ryan Park, MD
Harvard: Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)

Mentors: Nir Hacohen, PhD, Anthony D’Amico, MD, PhD

Description:

  • Radiation therapy (RT) is a standard therapy for localized prostate cancer. However, definitive RT can result in high rates of lymphopenia, a disorder of low numbers of lymphocytes (a major component of the immune system). Radiation-induced lymphopenia often persists over years and may permanently impact lymphocyte quality.
  • Lymphopenia and poor lymphocyte quality can enable tumor recurrence and progression and are associated with poorer responses to both RT and immunotherapies.
  • Understanding, predicting, and preventing radiation-induced lymphopenia is critical for improving and extending the lives of patients.
  • Dr. Ryan Park is studying the mechanisms and consequences of radiation-induced lymphopenia.
  • In this project, the radiation sensitivities of different types of T cells that are known to influence anti-tumor immunity will be defined. The genes that regulate radiation resistance vs sensitivity in T cells within tumor and lymph nodes will be determined.
  • In addition, studies will be performed to identify small molecules that promote T cell but not tumor radiation resistance.
  • If successful, this project will identify mechanisms of radiation-induced lymphopenia and identify new treatments that can be tested in clinical trials to limit radiation-induced lymphopenia.

What this means to patients: Radiation therapy is a standard treatment for prostate cancer but can deplete immune cells. Dr. Park and team will define the mechanisms that underlie the radiation sensitivity of various types of T cells and identify new treatments to prevent radiation-induced lymphopenia. This could lead to new treatments for patients that improve patient outcomes and responses to treatments including RT and immunotherapy.