Key Takeaways
- CAR T-cell therapy genetically modifies a patient’s T-cells to recognize and destroy cancer, offering personalized treatment for aggressive blood cancers like lymphomas and leukemias.
- Approved for select blood cancers, it shows limited efficacy against solid tumors—though recent studies suggest promise as adjuvant post-surgery therapy.
- Severe side effects like cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurological issues can occur, but ongoing research aims to improve safety and expand applications.
In the fight against cancer, studies over the years have explored the origin of different types of cancers and possible treatment options to achieve a permanent cure. The study of T-cells and their role in the body’s response to cancer cells has led to the development of a form of immunotherapy known as Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Whilst this therapy may not work for every cancer patient; a significant number of patients have benefitted from CAR T-cell therapy.
CAR T-cell therapy
Most experts describe CAR T-cell therapy as a kind of cell-based gene therapy that works by altering the genetic properties of T-cells resulting in an increased capacity to recognize and fight cancer cells in the body.
How does CAR T-cell therapy work?
T cells are a type of lymphocyte occurring naturally in the body as an important part of the body’s immune system or defense against infection, diseases, and any other form of foreign invasion. They carry out their function by traveling via the bloodstream, recognizing foreign cells, and initiating a form of defense against them. They also possess the ability to store some memory of these foreign cells so that they can respond appropriately when the body is faced with a similar challenge in the future.
CAR T-cell therapy is an attempt by scientists to create cells that can recognize and fight cancer cells. The process involves obtaining a sample of T cells from the patient and taking them to the lab to create a CAR T-cell through genetic modification which possesses a heightened ability to recognize specific properties of a cancer cell. These cells are multiplied in the lab and then transfused back into the patient’s bloodstream. These cells are designed to remain in the patient’s body for a long time carrying out their functions.
This new type of treatment has improved the management of different types of cancers and can be used with chemotherapy for advanced cancers. CAR T-cells have shown significant potential in the treatment of advanced lymphomas and leukemias and have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of certain cancers including multiple myeloma.
Side effects of CAR T-cell therapy
Just like other treatment options for cancer, CAR T-cell therapy, side effects ranging from mild to life-threatening have been observed in some patients who received CAR T-cells. One such dangerous side effect is the Cytokine Release Syndrome where large amounts of cytokines are released by the growing number of CAR T-cells into the blood resulting in effects like a significant drop in blood pressure, rapid heartbeats, fatigue, breathing issues, high fever, dizziness, etc. these symptoms must be noticed early and treated to avoid fatal consequences.
In some other cases, there have been reports of neurological symptoms like speech problems, confusion, seizures, tremors, altered sensorium, etc. Other side effects that may be seen during treatment include; an increased incidence of infections due to a weak immune system, electrolyte derangements, allergic reactions to infusions, and low blood cell counts which may manifest as fatigue, paleness, easy bleeding, etc.
Read Also:
Available CAR T-Cell therapies
When other forms of treatment have been tried with unsatisfactory results, some of these approved CAR T-cell therapies may be suggested. They include;
- Axicabtagene/Axi-cel
- Lisocabtagene/ Liso-cel
- Tisagenlecleucel/ Tisa-cel
- Idecabtagenevicleucel/ Abecma
- Ciltacabtegeneautoleucel/ Cilta-cel
- Brexucbtageneautoleucel/ Brexu-cel
Researchers have found it difficult to achieve satisfactory efficiency with CAR T-cells when solid tumors are involved. However, in recent findings from a study carried out in 2022, it has been discovered that CAR T-cells can serve as highly efficient adjuvant therapy following surgery to remove solid tumors. Transfused CAR T-cells can help to clear up residual cancer cells after surgery.
CAR T-Cell Therapy FAQs: Breakthroughs, Risks, and Who Can Benefit
What is CAR T-cell therapy?
CAR T-cell therapy modifies a patient’s immune cells to better target cancer. T-cells are extracted, genetically engineered to produce chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), multiplied in a lab, and reinfused to attack cancer.
Which cancers is it approved for?
FDA-approved for certain blood cancers: B-cell lymphomas, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and multiple myeloma. Brand names include Kymriah (tisa-cel) and Yescarta (axi-cel).
What are the major risks?
Side effects include cytokine release syndrome (CRS—fever, low blood pressure), neurological issues (confusion, seizures), and weakened immunity increasing infection risk.
How does it differ from chemotherapy?
Unlike chemo, CAR T-cells are tailored to the patient and target specific cancer antigens, offering longer-lasting immune memory to prevent recurrence.
Can it treat solid tumors (e.g., breast, lung)?
Not yet widely effective, but 2022 studies show potential as adjuvant therapy post-surgery to eliminate residual cancer cells.
How long does treatment take?
The process spans weeks: T-cell collection, lab modification (2–3 weeks), and reinfusion. Recovery and monitoring for side effects add additional time.
Is CAR T-cell therapy a cure?
For some patients with advanced blood cancers, it achieves long-term remission. However, relapse can occur, and it’s not universally effective.
Who is eligible?
Typically patients with relapsed/refractory cancers after other treatments fail. Eligibility depends on cancer type, health status, and treatment history.
Is it available for children?
Yes—Kymriah (tisa-cel) is approved for pediatric ALL.
What’s the cost?
Expensive (often 300,000–500,000), but insurance or clinical trials may offset costs.
What’s next for CAR T-cell research?
Scientists are engineering “smarter” CAR T-cells with fewer side effects, targeting solid tumors, and combining therapies for enhanced efficacy.
Related Reading:
Solid Tumor Destruction: A Possible Breakthrough with Car T Cell Immunotherapy
5 Lupus Patients in Remission after Undergoing Anti-CD19 CAR T Cell Therapy
New CAR-T Cell System Offers On-Off Capability For Safer, More Effective Cancer Therapy
Conclusion
CAR T-cell therapy has become widely available for the treatment of aggressive cancers. The available approved therapies are customized for each patient and are designed to attack specific proteins or antigens on the surface of cancer cells. The use of CAR T-cell therapy has expanded from the treatment of pediatric cancers to include different types of blood cancers in adults as well. The impressive results from CAR T-cell therapies continue to motivate scientists to explore this option and the different disease conditions that may benefit from it in the near future.
References
Cancer Research UK. (n.d.). CAR T-cell therapy. Cancer Research UK. Retrieved [date], from https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/immunotherapy/types/CAR-T-cell-therapy
MD Anderson Cancer Center. (n.d.). CAR T cell therapy. MD Anderson Cancer Center. Retrieved [date], from https://www.mdanderson.org/treatment-options/car-t-cell-therapy.html
