CAR T Cell Therapy in Hematologic Malignancies

Dr. Armin Ghobadi

Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Oncology Division, Bone Marrow Transplantation & Leukemia, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Dr. Ghobadi graduated from Iran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services in Tehran, Iran and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas. He also completed a fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri as well as a fellowship in Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

Dr. Ghobadi joined the faculty at Washington University as an Assistant Professor of medicine on December 1, 2013. He is now an Associate Professor in Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Section of Stem Cell Transplant, Cellular Therapy, and Leukemia at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr Ghobadi has published more than 50 peer reviewed manuscripts and book chapters and is one of the editors of 4th edition of Washington manual of Medical Oncology that was published in 2020. He has served as institutional principle investigator for multiple high impact clinical trials using CAR-T or T cell engagers. He has been clinical director of Center for Gene & Cellular Immunotherapy (CGCI) since it’s inception at Washington University. CGCI is currently offering more than 30 clinical trials using most advanced cancer immunotherapies including CAR-T, TCR-T, NK cell, viral-CTL, TILs, and T cell engagers for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. CGCI offers 4 approved products: Yescarta (CD 19 CAR-T for relapsed refractory lymphoma), Kymriah (CD 19 CAR-T for relapsed refractory large B cell lymphoma), Tecartus (CD 19 CAR-T for relapsed refractory mantle cell lymphoma) and Blincyto (CD19 BiTE for relapsed refractory ALL). As clinical director of CGCI, Dr Ghobadi has been involved in all clinical and translational aspects of CGCI including developing SOPs for delivering these complicated therapies. Dr Ghobadi was deeply involved in preparation for manufacturing of first CAR T at Washington University that is the first CAR-T manufacturing in Midwest. In addition, Dr Ghobadi is an active member of “Cellular Therapy Committee” of American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT). During his free time he spends time with his wife and two sons and enjoys hiking, camping and boating in Missouri lakes and rivers.