CAR-T cells – the future for cancer therapy

Abstract

Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) are a novel form of immunotherapy in which T cells from individuals with cancer are genetically modified to express a chimeric receptor enabling them to target cancer cells, with profound anti-tumour effects. CAR-T cells have shown highly impressive results in the treatment of B cell haematological malignancies, with several CD19-targeted CAR-T cells products now approved for routine clinical use. The main adverse effects of CAR-T cells treatment include cytokine-release syndrome, neurotoxicity and cytopenias; these require prompt treatment in specialist centres. Future developments related to CAR-T cells are likely to see products with improved efficacy, newer indications such as solid tumours and autoimmune disease and more affordable and easier access to this promising therapy.