Biologie
Novel approaches to managing CAR-T Cell therapy side effects
A new review* published in Nature Reviews Drug Discovery explores innovative strategies to address the immune-related side effects of CAR-T cell therapy. The article, authored by clinician-researchers from the Department of Oncology, outlines promising solutions to manage toxicity while maintaining the efficacy of CAR-T cells.
CAR-T cell therapy represents a major advancement in cancer treatment, leveraging genetically engineered T cells to target and destroy cancer cells. Despite its success in treating blood cancers, the therapy is often accompanied by immune-related side effects such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity. Current treatment strategies, which rely on tocilizumab and corticosteroids, are effective but not without limitations.
Dr. Mulvey, Dr. Arber and their colleagues look over the mechanisms behind these toxicities and propose alternative approaches in Nature Reviews Drug Discovery. These include targeting specific cytokines and intracellular signaling pathways to mitigate side effects while preserving CAR-T cell function and longevity. Additionally, the authors discuss cutting-edge bioengineering strategies to develop CAR-T cells with improved safety profiles.
By refining the management of these side effects, the field could extend the benefits of CAR-T therapy to a broader range of patients, including older and more vulnerable individuals. This article sets the stage for future clinical trials aimed at making CAR-T cell therapy safer and more accessible.
About:
Caroline Arber is Associate Professor at the Faculty of Biology and Medicine, the head of the Targeted immunotherapies for hematologic malignancies Lab, and Attending Physician – Department of Oncology UNIL-CHUV, Immuno-oncology Division, Hematology Division, and part of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch
*Novel strategies to manage CAR-T cell toxicity