Current Clinical Evidence and Potential Solutions to Increase Benefit of CAR T-Cell Therapy for Patients with Solid Tumors

Abstract

Immunotherapy by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T-cells has shown unprecedented clinical efficacy for hematological malignancies. Recently two CAR T-cell based therapeutics, Kymriah (Tisagenlecleucel) and Yescarta (Axicabtagene ciloleucel) were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and by the European Medicines Agency. Despite the progress in treating hematological malignancies, challenges remain for the use of CAR T-cell therapy in patients with solid tumors. Barriers yet to overcome for achieving effective CAR T-cell therapy include antigenic heterogeneity of solid tumors, an immune‐suppressive microenvironment, and organ-specific properties that limit T-cell entry. This review will summarize available clinical data for CAR T-cell therapy in solid tumors, including present obstacles and promising strategies to advancement.