Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine

CAR-T Cell Therapy: Current Status and Future Directions

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy represents a revolutionary advancement in cancer treatment, particularly for hematologic malignancies. CAR-T cell therapy involves engineering a patient’s T cells to express a receptor that specifically targets cancer cells, enhancing the body's ability to combat the disease. Numerous clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy in other types of cancers, including solid tumors. Trials are also exploring combinations of CAR-T therapy with other treatments, such as checkpoint inhibitors, to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity are significant adverse effects associated with CAR-T cell therapy. Managing these toxicities is critical for patient safety. Some patients relapse after CAR-T cell therapy, highlighting the need for improved strategies to prevent and address relapse. Expanding CAR-T cell therapy to treat solid tumors is a major focus of current research. This involves overcoming the tumor microenvironment's immunosuppressive barriers and improving CAR-T cell trafficking to solid tumors.