Unmet Need / Invention Novelty: Carcinoma associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are associated with the development of high-grade malignancies of poor prognoses, as they facilitate cancer invasion and hinder anti-cancer drug delivery. In order to improve the long-term survival rate of pre-metastatic cancer patients, we report genetically engineered fibroblasts that are directed to hinder CAF induction into cancer cells to slow cancer recurrence when implanted into cancer-affected tissue. Technical Details: Johns Hopkins researchers have developed genetically engineered fibroblasts, called “Stabilization against Remodeling” (STAR), as a novel advanced cell therapy to be applied following surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Specifically, STAR fibroblasts deliver cross-linking molecules to stabilize extracellular matrix where the primary tumor was to inhibit the diffusion of soluble tumor-promoting factors secreted by residual cancer cells. As demonstrated by in-vitro studies, extracellular matrix stabilization are effective to and prevent carcinoma and stop tumor progression. Value Proposition:
