Personal Loss Drives Cancer Researcher Toward CAR T-Cell Research Breakthroughs

Before Charly Good, PhD, ever set foot in a laboratory, cancer had already shaped her life. Both of her grandmothers passed away from breast cancer before she was born, leaving behind stories of resilience and loss that fueled her passion for research.

Now, as a scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, Charly is working to rewrite the future of cancer treatment. Specializing in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, she’s dedicated to uncovering new ways to help patients with even the most difficult-to-treat solid tumors.

Between conducting groundbreaking research, being an advocacy volunteer for the American Cancer Society (ACS), and raising two children, Charly proves that the work to end cancer as we know it, for everyone, is both professional and deeply personal.

A lifelong commitment to ending cancer

Charly grew up hearing stories about her grandmothers and their experiences with cancer.

"It made me realize how devastating this disease can be, not just for the patients, but for their families as well,” she said.

Her commitment to cancer advocacy began in high school, where she organized fundraising events and participated in community initiatives to support cancer research for ACS.

That commitment, plus a love for math and science, led Charly to pursue a career in cancer research, starting first with pre-med classes in college. After completing her undergraduate studies, Charly worked at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which solidified her desire to focus on research.

Today, as a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, she specializes in studying CAR T-cell therapy. CAR-T therapy uses a patient’s own immune cells called T cells (a type of white blood cell) to treat cancer. In a lab, genes inside the patient’s T cells are altered, or changed, to help them be better equipped to attack cancer cells.  Charly’s work is in the lab, behind the scenes. Her research includes collecting and testing cells in lab procedures then analyzing them to better understand why some patients respond to therapies while others do not. 

"CAR T-cell therapy has shown incredible promise, especially in blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma," she explains. "But we still have a long way to go in understanding how to apply it effectively to solid tumors like pancreatic and breast cancer."

Her work aims to unravel the genetic and molecular drivers of these difficult-to-treat cancers, paving the way for more personalized care and treatment options.

Focusing on her goal

Each day in her lab, Charly is reminded of the true impact that understanding CAR T-cell therapy can have. The lab features a photo of Emily Whitehead. At age 6 in 2012, Emily became the first pediatric patient to receive CAR T-cell therapy. Doctors had told Emily’s parents her time was limited, but thanks to the innovative treatment made possible by researchers like Charly, today Emily is a healthy and thriving college student.

"Emily's story is a beacon of hope," Charly said. "It shows that with the right research and innovation, we can change lives."

Funding is critical to advancing cancer research, and Charly is vocal about its importance. "Without donations to organizations like ACS, we would be years behind in making cancer a manageable disease," she said. “Every dollar counts, and it can lead to breakthroughs that change lives."

Charly believes increased public understanding of the benefits of cancer research could lead to greater support and funding, ultimately benefiting patients like Emily.

A commitment outside of the laboratory

Charly’s dedication to her work extends beyond the laboratory. She is actively involved in community outreach, educating the public about cancer research and the importance of funding.

"I believe it's crucial to engage with the community and share our findings," she said. "The more people understand what we do, the more support we can garner for research." Her efforts to bridge the gap between science and the public have made her a respected figure in the cancer research community.

Charly also shared how the research fellowship she had with ACS impacted her life as a mother. The fellowship, which supports researchers who have earned a doctoral degree to transition to independent cancer research careers, gave her the funding needed to continue her research while raising a young family.

“You can be a mom and a scientist,” Charly said. “We don’t want talented people leaving this work because they think it’s too hard to raise a family while doing it.”

As she reflects on her journey, Charly acknowledges the emotional toll that cancer research can take.

"It's hard to see patients and their families go through such difficult times," she admits. "But it also fuels my dedication to finding solutions." The stories of patients like Emily serve as a constant reminder of why she chose this path. "Every time I see a patient who has benefited from our research, it reaffirms my belief in what we do," she said with a smile.

"I truly believe we are on the brink of major breakthroughs in cancer treatment," she said. "With continued support and innovation, we can change the narrative around cancer and give hope to those who need it most."