Abstract

CAR T-CELL IMMUNOTHERAPY: A NEW FRONTIER IN CANCER TREATMENT

P. Vimal, Elna Bijo Kuriappuram, Harini P. H., Pragatesh Chinnasamy Rajeshwari

Abstract

Cancer remains the leading cause of death globally, accounting for one in every six deaths. Traditional cancer treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies, each with distinct advantages and limitations. Recent advancements in understanding cancer pathways have led to improved combination therapies that synergize various targeted treatments, including conventional chemotherapeutics such as taxanes and platinum compounds. Despite these advancements, novel strategies involving immune-mediated therapies, biological agents, and new drugs have yet to significantly reduce mortality rates or extend survival for patients with metastatic cancer. One promising innovation in this field is Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, a type of personalized immunotherapy often described as a "living" drug with the potential to cure cancer. CAR T-cells are T cells genetically engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors that specifically target and destroy cancer cells expressing certain antigens. Over five generations of evolution, advancements in CAR structure-including the ectodomain, transmembrane domain, and endodomain-have led to the development of new therapeutic options. This therapy has achieved significant long-term success in treating blood cancers, revolutionizing the treatment of lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma. While CAR-T therapy has shown notable success, its application to solid tumors is still under investigation. Overall, CAR-T cell therapy represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, with ongoing research aimed at improving its efficacy and expanding its applicability to a broader range of cancers.

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