STAT+: At AACR, a provocative use of CAR-T, Merck’s new thing and cancer’s geography problem

You’re reading the web version of STAT’s popup newsletter, AACR in 30 seconds, your guide to what’s happening at the American Association of Cancer Researchers’ annual meeting. Sign up here . We’re back with more data from the AACR meeting! Among the highlights today: a first look at a drug Merck acquired from China, a fascinating but potentially controversial use for CAR-T, and American oncology’s geography problem. Don’t forget: Tuesday night we will host a live event in San Diego, and we also have a virtual recap of the AACR conference on Thursday. CAR-T shows deep response in smoldering myeloma In an early phase trial, investigators at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute treated 20 high risk smoldering multiple myeloma patients with Carvykti, a BCMA directed CAR-T therapy. The idea was to use the immunotherapy on patients with the multiple myeloma precursor condition, hoping to prevent the active cancer in patients at high risk of progression. Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…