Immune checkpoint therapies have revolutionized the treatment of multiple types of cancer, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, kidney cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma. However, many other cancers are refractory to checkpoint therapies. Key areas of research are understanding how tumour-autonomous features (tumour genetics/epigenetics and metabolism) and the microbiome modify the immune microenvironment in solid malignancies. Chimaeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapy is used to treat childhood leukaemia and certain types of adult B cell lymphoma. There is a need to develop novel cell therapies for solid tumours, using genetically modified NK and iNKT cells. The participation in the Network of ICR groups from the CRUK Convergence Science Centre and groups from the Francis Crick Institute widens the potential scope for fundamental discovery in cancer immunology as well as clinical implementation of novel immuno-therapies.

Members

Dr Axel Behrens

Dr Axel Behrens
Scientific Director, ICR Imperial Convergence Science Centre