Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey treats 1st New Jerseyan with modified T cells

The Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) recently treated its first New Jersey patient with modified T cells, a type of white blood cell that protects the immune system, according to a press release.

The center is the state’s only cancer institute and performs the operation in collaboration with Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health. The genetically modified T cell therapy involves harvesting cells from patients and reproducing those cells to eliminate cancerous cells in the body.

The cells are produced in the center’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) facility, and after being adapted, the cells are placed back into the patient to treat the cancerous cells.

“The GMP facility is the link that connects the discovery of new treatments in the laboratories at (CINJ) with the delivery of these treatments directly to patients — statewide with RWJBarnabas Health and beyond,” said Steven Libutti, director of CINJ.