Plasma Proteomics in HSCT and CAR-T

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy are life-saving interventions for hematologic malignancies and immune disorders. However, their success is frequently undermined by complications including graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), infections, and impaired immune reconstitution. Current diagnostics rely on clinical grading and delayed laboratory testing, which are often insensitive, invasive, or nonspecific.

We propose a longitudinal plasma proteomics platform at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) to identify predictive, minimally invasive biomarkers of immune complications and treatment response in HSCT and CAR-T recipients. Using the SomaScan® discovery platform, we will quantify >10,000 plasma proteins across serial time points, integrated with electronic medical record (EMR) data. Our goal is to discover minimally invasive, highly sensitive, and specific plasma proteomic signatures for early detection of, GvHD, CRS/ICANS, and Infection in HSCT and CAR-T recipients, as well as precise monitoring of treatment response in cellular transplant patients.

We hypothesize that dynamic and disease-specific protein signatures in patient plasma, quantified using the cutting-edge SomaScan Proteomics Discovery Platform can serve as robust predictive and diagnostic biomarkers. Using the high-throughput SomaScan® discovery platform, we will quantify >10,000 plasma proteins across serial timepoints, integrated with electronic medical record (EMR) data, offering unparalleled insight into complex immunological and pathological processes.

This project will leverage a large, longitudinal transplant cohort to enable robust biomarker discovery and validation. By identifying plasma protein panels for early diagnosis, monitoring, and precision treatment, it directly advances precision medicine and supports Saudi Vision 2030 goals. The anticipated outcomes include reduced biopsy dependence, improved patient survival and quality of life, decreased healthcare costs, and the establishment of a scalable proteomic monitoring pipeline adaptable to transplant centers worldwide.

Mahmoud Aljurf, Syed Osman Ahmed, Riad El Fakih, Hazza Alzahrani, Syed Farhatullah, Walid Warda, Zakia Shinwari, Rabab Allam, Hanan Alqudairy.