£1 million research investment to develop next-generation immunotherapy for Ewing sarcoma

Led by Professor Wenhui Song at University College London, in collaboration with other scientists in the UK and China, this project will create new types of TCR-T cells designed to target tumours more precisely.

Immunotherapy works by training the body’s immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. Some immune cells (T cells) carry proteins on their surface (T-cell receptors) that allow them to identify unwanted cells. In TCR-T therapy, researchers reprogramme them with modified T-cell receptors so they can more efficiently and selectively identify and destroy cancer cells.

The team will focus on a genetic change found in most cases of Ewing sarcoma, known as EWS/FLI1. By training immune cells to recognise features related to this genetic marker, scientists hope to develop a new treatment that can seek out and destroy Ewing sarcoma cells without harming healthy cells.

As part of this project the team will also utilise advanced 3D models that can mimic the body’s environment, helping them make their research more directly relevant to the tumour‘s environment.

Will Burchell, Chief Executive at the Bone Cancer Research Trust, commented:

For people diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, Professor Song’s study represents an important step forward. By investing in innovative research like this, we’re getting closer to patients having access to safer, kinder, and more successful treatments. I would like to thank Children with Cancer UK for their £1 million donation, which has made this life-changing research possible.

Gavin Maggs, Chief Executive of Children with Cancer UK said: 

In the UK, 10 families every day face the devastating news that their child has cancer. No one charity can tackle this challenge alone, which is why partnerships like this are so important. By working together, we can accelerate research that has the potential to transform treatment and give children and young people the best possible chance of survival and a brighter future.

If successful, this project could pave the way for novel approaches to the treatment of Ewing sarcoma, that are more targeted, potentially improving outcomes and causing fewer unwanted effects than current therapies.

Watch the moving video which highlights why this research is so important.