There are new immunotherapy cancer treatments available for hematologic malignancies, such as T-cell based immunotherapies and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies. However, some patients experience neurotoxicity as a result of treatment. Clinical symptoms or signs can be progressive and may include aphasia, altered level of consciousness, impairment of cognitive skills, motor weakness, seizures, and cerebral edema.
Although sometimes severe, neurotoxicity is primarily reversible and can be detected through specialized patient monitoring and care. Early detection of acute toxicities may enable earlier intervention and ultimately result in improved outcomes for patients. For example, research suggests that analyzing patients’ handwriting may aid in identifying neurotoxicity prior to the presentation of other noticeable symptoms.
To inspire early identification of neurotoxicity, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, together with Janssen Global Services, is proud to launch the Improving Detection of Neurotoxicity in Immunotherapies QuickFire Challenge. Visionaries are invited to submit methods and technologies aiming to optimize patient care for immunotherapies within the hematologic malignancy space by enabling early detection of neurotoxic events. Of particular interest are technologies aiming to identify clinical manifestations to predict acute toxicities, including movement and neurocognitive disorders.
The innovator(s) with the best potential solution can receive grant funding in increments up to $200,000, $125,000, or $75,000, access to the global Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS network and mentorship from experts at the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies (‘Johnson & Johnson’).*
Deadline: March 18, 2022
- Grant funding up to increments of $200,000, $125,000, and $75,000