CAR T-cell Therapy

Definition

CAR T-cell therapy is an innovative cancer treatment that genetically engineers a patient's own T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. It involves extracting T cells from the patient, modifying them to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), and then infusing the engineered CAR T cells back into the patient to target and eliminate cancer cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CAR T-cell therapy is a type of adoptive cell transfer (ACT) that has shown promising results in the treatment of certain blood cancers, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
2. The process of CAR T-cell therapy involves extracting the patient's own T cells, genetically modifying them to express CARs that target tumor-associated antigens, and then infusing the engineered CAR T cells back into the patient.
3. CARs are designed to enhance the ability of T cells to recognize and bind to specific tumor-associated antigens, thereby improving their ability to identify and destroy cancer cells.
4. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a potentially serious side effect of CAR T-cell therapy, which can be managed with immunosuppressive agents and supportive care.
5. The development of CAR T-cell therapy has been a significant advancement in the field of cancer immunotherapy, as it has the potential to provide a personalized and targeted approach to cancer treatment.

Review Questions

• Explain the key steps involved in the process of CAR T-cell therapy.
  • The key steps in CAR T-cell therapy are: 1) Extracting the patient's own T cells through a process called leukapheresis, 2) Genetically modifying the T cells to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that target a specific tumor-associated antigen, 3) Expanding the engineered CAR T cells in a laboratory, and 4) Infusing the CAR T cells back into the patient to recognize and destroy the cancer cells.
• Describe how the use of CARs in T-cell therapy enhances the ability of T cells to target and eliminate cancer cells.
  • CARs are synthetic receptors that are engineered to be expressed on the surface of T cells, allowing them to recognize and bind to specific tumor-associated antigens. This enhances the ability of T cells to identify and attack cancer cells, as the CARs provide a more targeted and potent recognition mechanism compared to the natural T-cell receptor. By genetically modifying T cells to express CARs, CAR T-cell therapy can overcome the immune system's natural limitations in recognizing and responding to cancer cells, leading to more effective cancer treatment.
• Analyze the potential benefits and challenges of CAR T-cell therapy in the context of cancer immunology and transplantation.
  • The potential benefits of CAR T-cell therapy in the context of cancer immunology and transplantation include its ability to provide a personalized and targeted approach to cancer treatment, the potential for long-lasting remission or even cure in some cases, and the possibility of overcoming the limitations of traditional cancer therapies. However, the challenges include the risk of potentially life-threatening side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome, the complexity and cost of the manufacturing process, and the need for specialized medical centers with the expertise to administer this treatment safely and effectively. Additionally, the long-term efficacy and safety of CAR T-cell therapy, as well as its applicability to a wider range of cancer types, are still being investigated through ongoing research and clinical trials. The balance between the benefits and challenges of CAR T-cell therapy will be a crucial consideration in its integration into cancer care and transplantation protocols.

Related terms

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR): A synthetic receptor engineered to be expressed on the surface of T cells, allowing them to recognize and bind to specific tumor-associated antigens.

Adoptive Cell Transfer (ACT): A type of immunotherapy that involves the administration of a patient's own immune cells, which have been expanded and/or modified ex vivo, to treat cancer or other diseases.

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): A potentially life-threatening side effect of CAR T-cell therapy characterized by an overproduction of inflammatory cytokines, leading to fever, hypotension, and organ dysfunction.