| Abstract: |
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have emerged as a potential groundbreaking treatment for patients with advanced B-cell and other hematologic malignancies. CAR T cells recognize and eliminate tumor cells via cytotoxic killing, independent of the major histocompatibility complex. They are predominantly used in the treatment of many leukemias and lymphomas, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, via the administration of CD19-targeted or BCMA-targeted CAR T cells respectively. Although there is strong clinical data to support the efficacy of this therapy, toxicity, relapse, and a lack of its broad application for solid tumors have emerged as challenges. In this section, we will highlight the application of CAR T cells in treating hematologic malignancies, as well as their application in solid tumors. Here, we will review the engineering of CAR T cells, clinical data on CD19 and BCMA CAR T cells, and limitations of these therapies. Additionally, we will discuss the development of novel approaches to engineer CAR T cells, identify target antigens, increase their effectiveness and mitigate toxicity. These advances will allow for progress of this therapy and help to overcome the hurdles that are currently present in the use of CAR T cells. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020. |
