Clinical advances and challenges associated with TCR-T cell therapy for cancer treatment

  • Front Immunol. 2024 Oct 8:15:1487782. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1487782.
Jianing Li  1 ,  Yongsheng Zhang  2 ,  Tong Fu  3 ,  Guoli Xing  4 ,  Hongbo Cai  4 ,  Kaiqing Li  1 ,  Yutong Xu  1 ,  Ying Tong  4
Affiliations
  • 1. Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China.
  • 2. School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.
  • 3. Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, United States.
  • 4. First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China.
Abstract

Background: T cell receptor (TCR)-T cell therapy is an innovative form of Cancer Immunotherapy that genetically modifies patients' T cells to target and destroy Cancer cells. However, the current status of clinical trials of TCR-T cell therapy for the treatment of Cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the registration trials related to TCR-T cell therapy for the treatment of Cancer.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in the Trialtrove database for all clinical trials related to TCR-T cell therapy registered by August 1, 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on trials targeting TCR-T cell therapy for oncology, and excluded observational studies and incomplete data. Statistical analysis was performed on key trial characteristics, with between-group comparisons utilizing chi-square or Fisher's exact tests.

Results: Analysis of 174 eligible clinical trials revealed that TCR-T cell therapy exhibits significant efficacy across various tumor types, particularly in refractory hematologic malignancies and certain solid Tumors. Additionally, combining TCR-T cell therapy with other immunotherapies enhanced these anti-tumor effects.

Conclusion: TCR-T cell therapy holds substantial promise for Cancer treatment. Future research should focus on optimizing treatment protocols, enhancing efficacy, and minimizing prices to fully realize the potential of this therapy.

Keywords
TCR-T cell therapy; cancer; cancer immunotherapy; clinical trials; genetic engineering; therapeutic resistance.