CAR T cells – the future for cancer therapy. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Benjamin, Reuben
• Is Part Of: Medicine. Volume 49:Number 5(2021)
• Page Start: 322
• Page End: 324
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: CAR T cells -- cellular therapy -- cytokine release syndrome -- ICANS -- MRCP; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Périodiques; Médecine factuelle -- Périodiques; Medicine; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Electronic journals; 610
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mpmed.2021.02.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1357-3039

Abstract

Abstract: Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cells are a novel form of immunotherapy in which T cells from patients with cancer are genetically modified to express a chimeric receptor enabling them to target cancer cells, with profound anti-tumour effects. CAR T cells have shown highly impressive results in the treatment of B cell haematological malignancies, with several CD19-targeted CAR T products now approved for routine clinical use. The main adverse effects of CAR T cell treatment include cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity and cytopenias; these require prompt treatment in specialist centres. Future developments in the CAR T field are likely to see products with improved efficacy, a greater range of cancers being treated and more affordable and easier access to this promising therapy.