Targeting Tumors: Harnessing CAR T-Cells for Breakthrough Cancer Immunotherapy

Abstract

Cancer remains a global health challenge, with conventional treatments often limited by toxicity and specificity. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment by modifying T cells to target tumor antigens, showing significant success in hematological malignancies like acute lymphoblastic leukemia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Advances in CAR T cell technology aim to enhance specificity, durability, and safety through suicide genes, dual antigen targeting, and novel co-stimulatory domains to mitigate adverse effects like cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. Research is also extending to solid tumors, despite the challenges posed by the complex tumor microenvironment. The development of allogeneic CAR T cells could make treatments more accessible and cost-effective, and combining CAR T therapy with other immunotherapies might improve anti-tumor responses. As a cornerstone of targeted immunotherapy, CAR T cell therapy continues to evolve, offering new hope for effective and personalized cancer treatments.