CAR T cells in solid tumors and metastasis: paving the way forward

  • Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2024 Dec;43(4):1279-1296. doi: 10.1007/s10555-024-10213-7.
Camilla Sirini  #  1  2 ,  Laura De Rossi  #  1  2 ,  Marta Angiola Moresco  1  2 ,  Monica Casucci  3
Affiliations
  • 1. Innovative Immunotherapies Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy.
  • 2. Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
  • 3. Innovative Immunotherapies Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy. [email protected].
  • # Contributed equally.
Abstract

CAR T cell therapy, hailed as a breakthrough in Cancer treatment due to its remarkable outcomes in hematological malignancies, encounters significant hurdles when applied to solid Tumors. While notable responses to CAR T cells remain sporadic in these patients, challenges persist due to issues such as on-target off-tumor toxicity, difficulties in their trafficking and infiltration into the tumor, and the presence of a hostile and immunosuppressive microenvironment. This review aims to explore recent endeavors aimed at overcoming these obstacles in CAR T cell therapy for solid Tumors. Specifically, we will delve into promising strategies for enhancing tumor specificity through antigen targeting, addressing tumor heterogeneity, overcoming physical barriers, and counteracting the immune-suppressive microenvironment.

Keywords
Adoptive cell therapies; CAR T cells; Metastasis; Solid tumors.