Chimeric Antigen Receptor Therapy

Intravesical CAR T therapy opens door to bladder-sparing cancer treatment

Researchers developed genetically engineered CAR T cells specifically targeting bladder cancer cells and delivered them directly to the bladder via a catheter. This approach shows promise in controlling bladder tumors in mice and may be effective in humans, offering an alternative to life-altering procedures like bladder removal.

AI framework aids target discovery for CAR T cell therapy

Researchers developed an AI framework to identify viable target antigens for CAR T cell therapy, using publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing data. The framework showed robust tumor-killing activity in mouse models of multiple cancer types, including melanoma, leukemia, and colorectal cancer.

UCLA researchers awarded $1.7 million Department of Defense grant to advance next-generation CAR T-cell therapies for prostate cancer

Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center receive $1.7M grant to advance CAR T-cell therapies for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. They will investigate a new approach combining engineered nanovial technology with single-cell analysis to rapidly evaluate and optimize dual-targeted CAR T-cell therapies.

Christoph Bock receives ERC Advanced Grant to engineer “living drugs” for cancer therapy

Researchers will develop genetic boosters and "two-factor authentication" for CAR T cell therapy, targeting HER2-positive lung, breast, and colon tumors. The project aims to improve the efficacy of CAR T cells against solid tumors while reducing collateral damage.

Dr. Theodore Scott Nowicki receives grant to advance novel CAR-T therapy for pediatric bone cancer

Dr. Nowicki's research aims to develop a next-generation CAR-T cell therapy targeting GD2, a protein found on osteosarcoma cells, with enhanced immune-signaling molecule TNF-alpha. The grant will support preclinical studies to evaluate safety and effectiveness in laboratory and animal models.

CAR-T cells with a navigation system

Researchers at Max Delbrück Center have found a way to improve CAR-T cancer therapy by engineering cells to express the receptor CCR7. This allows CAR-T cells to penetrate lymph nodes more efficiently and kill cancer cells quickly.

Cytokine-armored CAR-T cell therapy helps eliminate aggressive brain tumors in preclinical study

A new cytokine-armored CAR-T cell therapy has been developed to attack aggressive brain tumors in mice while reducing side effects. The approach recruits the body's immune system using IL-12 and DR-18 proteins, strengthening the anti-cancer response and improving tumor control.

Successfully treated AML patients may hold the key to new CAR T cell therapy

CDI scientists identify key dynamic to boost cancer treatments while limiting stem cell transplant rejection

The study reveals that the interplay between EZH2 and Ca2+ signaling pathways can be harnessed to improve CAR T-cell efficacy in tumor control while preventing graft-versus-host disease. This balance allows for effective cancer treatment while minimizing transplant rejection.

New KIR-CAR T cell therapy shows promise in multiple solid cancers

The KIR-CAR T cell therapy has shown promising results in a Phase I clinical trial, demonstrating safety and increasing efficacy with higher doses. The treatment targets mesothelin, widely expressed on several solid tumor cancers, and limits side effects through its natural 'on-off' mechanism.

Penn Medicine at the AACR Annual Meeting 2026

Researchers from Penn Medicine will showcase progress in CAR T cell therapies for solid tumors, as well as a multi-chain CAR T cell therapy for ovarian cancer. The presentation also highlights a new strategy targeting pancreatic cancer before it forms and at-home cervical cancer testing.

CAR-T therapy drives remission in patient with three autoimmune diseases

Scientists used CAR-T cell therapy to treat a patient with severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immune thrombocytopenia, and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. The treatment achieved lasting remission without additional treatment for over a year.

Programming cures inside the body: In vivo CAR-T shifts the paradigm in adoptive cell therapy from bench to beside

In vivo CAR-T therapy bypasses ex vivo manufacturing, preserving native T-cell function and improving accessibility. Recent clinical progress demonstrates encouraging results in hematologic malignancies and autoimmune diseases.

The University of Colorado Anschutz Gates Institute achieves first-in-U.S. FDA clearance for campus-built CAR T-cell therapy

The University of Colorado Anschutz Gates Institute has achieved first-in-U.S. FDA clearance for a novel CAR T-cell therapy targeting aggressive leukemia cells, representing a potential new treatment approach for patients with hard-to-treat disease. The therapy will be evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial starting this summer.

USC announces a joint biomedical engineering department, bridging medical and engineering schools to accelerate health care innovation

The new joint department combines expertise in medical devices, neuroengineering, imaging science, and more to advance biomedical research and translate discoveries into meaningful health advances. The partnership aims to accelerate the translation of discoveries into improvements in human health.

Targeting tumor supporting cells: Advancing CAR T success in pancreatic cancer

Researchers have developed a new CAR T therapy that targets tumor-supporting cells in pancreatic cancer, paving the way for a potentially safer and more effective treatment. The therapy uses lipid nanoparticles to deliver CAR instructions directly to patient T cells, resulting in higher expression rates and improved efficacy compared t...

Cell surface protein uPAR may hold the key to targeting solid tumors with car t cell therapy

Researchers develop CAR T cells designed to target both cancer cells and supportive cells in the tumor microenvironment, bearing the surface protein uPAR. The new approach shows significant power to fight cancer with limited impact on other healthy tissues and cells.

Innovative CAR-T cell therapy receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation

Developed by WashU Medicine researchers, the immunotherapy targets specific blood cancers called T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. Early-phase clinical studies have demonstrated manageable side effects and early success in treating these aggressive blood cancers.

USC receives funding for AI tool to advance treatment for rare pediatric diseases

Researchers at USC will develop an AI-driven framework to strengthen evidence generation for gene and cell therapies, helping bring promising treatments closer to patients. The project aims to better understand how specific therapy features relate to patient outcomes.

MSK Research Highlights, March 20, 2026

Researchers develop new approach to prevent chemotherapy-related leukemia by analyzing blood samples from four clinical trials, showing a 26-36% reduction in blood cell growth with mutated TP53 gene. They also discover that monoclonal antibodies can turn neutrophils into cancer killers and induce tumor eradication in preclinical models.

More sensitive cell therapy may be a HIT against solid cancers

Researchers have developed a new type of cell therapy called HIT cells that can detect and eliminate cancer cells in mice with pancreatic, kidney and ovarian cancers. The treatment shows promise for nearly 20 other types of cancers, including glioblastoma and pancreaticadenocarcinoma.

Next-generation CAR-T designs that could transform cancer treatment

The article discusses recent advances in chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, highlighting its promise and remaining challenges. Next-generation CAR designs aim to improve specificity and reduce on-target/off-tumor toxicity, while addressing access disparities and equity issues.

Solving cancer immunotherapy’s fuel shortage

Researchers at UCLA have found a way to supercharge immune cells with a fuel source that tumors can't steal, dramatically improving their ability to survive and attack solid tumors. The approach enables T cells to import cellobiose and convert it into usable glucose inside the cell.

Multiple myeloma: Established cancer drug reactivates immunotherapy

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which an existing cancer drug can block the loss of BCMA molecules on cancer cells, allowing CAR T cell therapy to become effective again in some patients. The study shows that carfilzomib can prevent the degradation of BCMA and restore its presence on the surface of malignant plasma cells.

USC researchers develop next-generation CAR T cells that show stronger, safer response in animal models

Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine have developed a new type of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell that elicits a more controlled immune response to cancer. The engineered CAR T cells may offer a way to more safely treat blood cancers and reduce the chance of relapse.

A routine blood test could help predict who benefits most from CAR T-cell therapy

A study found that measuring a patient's absolute lymphocyte count can predict their response to CAR T-cell therapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Patients with higher lymphocyte counts and faster increases tend to have better outcomes, including progression-free survival and overall survival.

Delayed toxicities after CAR T cell therapy for multiple myeloma are connected and potentially preventable

Researchers found that CAR T cell therapy side effects, such as neurotoxicity and intestinal inflammation, are linked to high rates of death unrelated to cancer relapse. CirAEs were more common in patients who received cilta-cel and had higher non-relapse mortality rates.

Home-based monitoring could transform care for patients receiving T-cell redirecting therapies

A Fox Chase Cancer Center study found that outpatient observation significantly reduced hospital stays with no adverse safety events reported. The structured model also freed up inpatient beds and cut healthcare costs.

Penn Medicine at the 2025 ASH Annual Meeting

Researchers from Penn Medicine will present data on latest advances in blood cancer and classical hematology research at the 67th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting. The presentation includes updates on preclinical, clinical, and population-based research, as well as a multicenter Phase II study and a randomized phase III tr...

New CAR T strategy targets most common form of heart disease

Researchers have developed a new CAR T cell therapy that targets the underlying cause of atherosclerosis, the most common form of heart disease. The treatment has shown significant promise in mice, reducing arterial plaque buildup by over two-thirds.

Next-generation CAR T cells could expand solid cancer treatment options

Researchers engineered CAR T cells to produce a fusion of IL-12 cytokine and a PD-L1 blocker, boosting immune activity against solid tumors. The modified cells were found to be highly effective in shrinking ovarian and prostate tumors while minimizing side effects.

Genetic screening technique could enhance CAR-T therapies for multiple myeloma and other cancers

Researchers identified genetic modifications that can improve the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell treatment for multiple myeloma and other cancers. The study used CRISPR screening to pinpoint genes that influenced T cell function and survival in culture and in a preclinical model of multiple myeloma.

SwRI, UT San Antonio collaborate to advance smart biosensors for improved CAR T-cell production

Researchers are developing a novel smart coating to enable continuous monitoring of cells during CAR T-cell production, reducing production costs. The biosensor coating is expected to reduce human errors and costs associated with existing flow cytometry methods.

Repurposing a diabetes medication to prime CAR T cancer targets

UCSF researchers develop a new strategy to prime CAR T cell therapy by combining it with diabetes drugs, increasing the efficacy of NECTIN4-CAR T cells in treating urothelial carcinoma. The study shows that using thiazolidinediones enhances NECTIN4 expression, making tumor cells more susceptible to the treatment.

A stunning first look at the viruses inside us

Researchers mapped the surface envelope glycoprotein of human endogenous retroviruses, opening doors to new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. The study revealed specific antibodies that target the viral proteins, potentially leading to new cancer immunotherapies and treatments for autoimmune diseases.

EBMT partners in a new consortium to decentralise CAR-T cell therapy and improve hospital workflow

The EASYGEN consortium will develop a fully automated platform for manufacturing personalized cell therapies within days, accelerating patient access and reducing costs. EBMT is participating in the study examining current CAR-T treatment processes and contributing to patient education and advocacy efforts.

Teaching the immune system a new trick could one day level the organ transplant playing field

Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina engineered a new type of immune cell that can precisely target and neutralize antibody-producing cells complicit in organ rejection. This strategy could level the playing field for patients with limited eligibility for organs due to high rejection rates.

Inaugural ESMO Targeted Anticancer Therapies (TAT) Asia Congress 2025: Event announcement

The inaugural ESMO Targeted Anticancer Therapies (TAT) Asia Congress 2025 will convene a diverse group of stakeholders to foster collaboration and accelerate the development of innovative cancer therapies. The congress aims to become a catalyst for global collaboration and innovation in oncology.

In-body CAR-T cell generation proves effective, safe in mice in Stanford Medicine-led study

Researchers developed a new method to generate CAR-T cells in laboratory mice with mRNA-based vaccines, which proved effective and safe. The approach eradicated tumors in 75% of mice with B cell lymphoma after several doses.

Mayo Clinic researchers link CAR-T cell aging to cancer relapse

Researchers found that CAR-T cells age and lose effectiveness due to premature senescence, a previously unrecognized mechanism of therapy failure. The discovery highlights the need for next-generation therapies with improved durability.

A new cell therapy for leukaemia shows high efficacy and safety in the laboratory

A new dual CAR-T cell therapy has been developed to target T-ALL, showing high efficacy and safety. The treatment targets two antigens simultaneously, making it more effective than previous therapies. Experimental results demonstrate its ability to control the disease in both laboratory and animal models, with an excellent safety profile.

‘Leukemia-on-a-chip’ could transform CAR T blood cancer treatments

Scientists have developed a miniature device that mimics human bone marrow and immune environment, enabling predictive testing of cancer immunotherapy success in patients. The device recreates three regions of bone marrow where leukemia develops and retains the complex immune environment of the tissue.

Study shows loss of Y in blood cells hinders immune response to cancer

Researchers identified a link between the loss of Y chromosome in white blood cells and reduced ability to kill cancer cells. This finding may explain why men with loss of Y have higher cancer risks and poorer outcomes. The study provides insights into how this genetic change affects immune system function.

Dual-target CAR T cell therapy slows growth of aggressive brain cancer

A phase I clinical trial demonstrates that dual-target CAR T cell therapy can reduce tumor size in nearly two-thirds of patients with recurrent glioblastoma, a notoriously aggressive brain cancer. The therapy also shows signs of long-term immune system activation and potential for extended tumor stability.

Cancer immunotherapy could get cheaper, more widely available with new technology

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a new device called CAPGLO that uses magnets to isolate disease-fighting T cells, making CAR T cell therapy potentially less expensive and more accessible. The technology aims to reduce the cost of immunotherapy from thousands to just hundreds of dollars.

2025 Merkin Prize in Biomedical Technology awarded to pioneers of CAR T-cell therapy

Four researchers — Carl June, Bruce Levine, Isabelle Rivière, and Michel Sadelain — are awarded the Merkin Prize for developing CAR T-cell therapy, a groundbreaking form of personalized cancer immunotherapy. The technology has led to durable remissions in tens of thousands of patients with previously incurable blood cancers.

Aging reduces CAR-T cell effectiveness by impairing metabolism, study shows

Researchers found that aging impairs CAR-T cell function and antitumor activity due to lower NAD levels. Rejuvenating aged cells with NAD-boosting compounds improves their effectiveness.

Enhanced CAR T cell therapy offers new strategy for lymphoma

A new strategy for treating B-cell lymphoma has shown promising results with a next-generation CAR T cell therapy that incorporates IL18. The treatment achieved high remission rates of 81% and complete remission in 52%, with some patients experiencing durable responses lasting two years or more.

Driving the CAR to fight acute myeloid leukemia

Researchers at Osaka University identify a specific molecule, HLA-DRB1, that can be targeted by CAR-based therapy for AML. Engineered CAR T cells showed strong and specific anti-AML effects in vitro and in vivo with mice, without overt toxicity.

Two USC innovators honored by the National Academy of Inventors for unlocking the power of the immune system

Preet Chaudhary and Michael Selsted, USC innovators, recognized by the National Academy of Inventors for their work on harnessing the power of the immune system. Their research aims to develop new treatments for diseases such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and sepsis.

MSK research highlights, February 6, 2025

A new liposarcoma treatment using CAR T cells has shown promising results in clinical trials, with a response rate of 20-40% in patients with advanced or metastatic disease. Additionally, researchers have developed more efficient drug-delivery nanoparticles that can improve cancer treatment outcomes.

Research into new therapies: How the body's natural killer cells could fight leukemia

Scientists at Goethe University Frankfurt have discovered a new way to tailor natural killer cells to target leukemia cells, improving their efficacy. The researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to disable an immune checkpoint, allowing the modified cells to attack cancer cells more effectively.

Brain tumor organoids accurately model patient response to CAR T cell therapy

Researchers used lab-grown organoids from glioblastoma tumors to model patient response to CAR T cell therapy. The organoids accurately reflected the treatment's effect on actual tumors, providing a promising tool for personalized medicine.

Intrinsic factors of the CAR-T cells may play a major role on its clinical success

A new study found that CAR-T cell therapy success is predicted by three key features: the CD4/CD8 ratio in infusion products, the presence of T-cell exhaustion signals before infusion, and the expansion of T-cells during therapy. These factors can help improve treatment outcomes.

Harnessing natural killer T cells to advance cancer immunotherapy for solid tumors

Researchers have discovered a novel immunotherapy approach using natural killer T cells to combat solid tumors. By targeting tumor-associated macrophages and promoting systemic immune responses, CAR-natural killer T cells demonstrate superior antitumor activity compared to traditional CAR-T therapy.

FDA-mandated CAR-T monitoring period could be halved

A recent study suggests that the two-week toxicity monitoring period for CAR-T therapy in diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients is too restrictive, with most toxicities occurring within the first two weeks. Shortening this period and reducing driving restrictions could increase treatment accessibility for patients.

Accelerating CAR T cell therapy: Lipid nanoparticles speed up manufacturing

Researchers developed a method using lipid nanoparticles to activate T cells and deliver genetic instructions in one step, simplifying the CAR T cell manufacturing process. This new approach reduces production time from 48 hours to 24 hours and increases accessibility to patients worldwide.

An immunotherapy to overcome resistant leukemia

Researchers have discovered a new immunotherapy approach to overcome resistant leukemia by targeting the mutated TP53 gene. Combining pharmacological therapies with genetically engineered CAR T-cells increases effectiveness against cancer cells, offering promising strategies for patients with resistant disease.

MRI and lumbar puncture not necessarily required to manage CAR T-cell therapy complications

A new study suggests that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and lumbar puncture may not be necessary for diagnosing and managing immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) in CAR T-cell therapy recipients. EEG findings often led to adjustments in medications, indicating its continued importance as a diagnostic tool.

CAR T cells show promise against age-related diseases in mice

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have engineered CAR T cells to target senescent cells, which can lead to chronic inflammation with aging. The treatment improved metabolic function in older mice and prevented decline later in life, suggesting potential benefits for diseases associated with aging.