Recent Updates on Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Approaches in Cancer Immunotherapy

Abstract

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a revolutionary development in the field of cancer immunotherapy, offering a targeted approach to combat various hematologic malignancies. In this treatment, the patient’s genetically modified T cells are extracted and transformed to produce chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that are exclusive to cancer cells. These altered T cells identify, attach to, and destroy cancer cells when they are reinfused back into the patient, offering a customized course of therapy. While the CAR T-cell therapy’s clinical success has been most evident in cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and certain types of lymphomas, ongoing research aims to extend its applicability to solid tumors. Despite its promise, challenges like cytokine release syndrome and the high cost of treatment remain. Nonetheless, CAR T-cell therapy heralds a new era in cancer treatment, offering a potentially curative approach for patients with otherwise refractory diseases.