Kite showcases CAR T therapy at ICML 2025

Kite, a Gilead Company, will present eight abstracts at the International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma (ICML) in Lugano, Switzerland, detailing data on its CAR T‑cell therapies Yescarta® (axicabtagene ciloleucel) and Tecartus® (brexucabtagene autoleucel) along with early‑stage pipeline candidates.

Real‑world results for Richter Transformation

The conference will feature a real‑world analysis from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) that examined the largest cohort of patients treated with axicabtagene ciloleucel for Richter transformation to large B‑cell lymphoma (RT‑LBCL). The study, authored by Winter and colleagues, reported a median follow‑up of 26 months and a median duration of response of 19 months. These figures suggest a meaningful benefit in a population that historically faces limited options.

Safety outcomes appeared consistent with earlier large‑cell lymphoma trials. The investigators noted no unexpected adverse events, reinforcing the established safety profile of the therapy. The abstract, listed as #143, will be presented as an oral talk, giving attendees a chance to ask detailed questions.

Next‑generation CAR T‑cell candidates

Another highlight will be data from the Phase 1 KITE‑363 study, which evaluates a dual‑target anti‑CD19/CD20 CAR T‑cell product in relapsed or refractory B‑cell lymphoma. The abstract, #103, outlines early signals of tolerable safety and hints at activity against disease that has progressed after standard treatments. Researchers described the investigational cell product as “well‑tolerated” and noted that no new safety concerns emerged compared with existing CAR T therapies.

Dan Tovar, Head of Medical Affairs Cell Therapy for the ACE region, said, “Kite is pleased to once again attend ICML to present our latest advancements in haematological cancer treatment and build on our commitment to create a strong real‑world evidence base for CAR T‑cell therapy.” He added that the company looks forward to discussing how its portfolio and pipeline could address unmet needs in difficult‑to‑treat blood cancers.

While the presented data focus on lymphoma, the broader implications touch on the evolving role of cellular immunotherapy across hematologic malignancies. Historically, CAR T‑cell treatments have been most successful in certain leukemias and lymphomas, but each new dataset helps refine patient selection and management strategies.

Data will be posted online.

Regulatory bodies have taken note of the growing body of evidence. For instance, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration maintains a public database of approved CAR T products, which includes Yescarta® and Tecartus® among its listings. Such resources help clinicians track labeling updates and post‑marketing commitments.

Overall, the ICML presentations aim to strengthen the evidence base for Kite’s existing therapies while showcasing the promise of its next‑generation candidates. The conference runs from June 17‑21, and the abstracts will be accessible through the event’s official website for those seeking deeper technical details.