Next-gen oncology: the role of CAR-T cells against ocular lymphoma and myeloma

Abstract

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR-T) cell therapy represents a groundbreaking advancement in the field of cancer immunotherapy, where it offers a highly targeted and personalized approach to cancer treatment [1]. Since its birth in 1993, this innovative therapy has been built upon the genetic engineering of a patient’s own T cells to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), which is designed to recognize and bind to specific antigens present on cancer cells [1]. By reprogramming the immune system to better recognize and destroy malignant cells, CAR-T therapy improves the body's natural ability to fight cancer cells with unprecedented precision and effectiveness [1].

The therapeutic potential of CAR-T cells has been particularly promising in the treatment of hematological malignancies, such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma (MM) [2]. The ability to specifically target antigens, such as CD19 in B cell malignancies, CD20 in lymphomas, and CD138 in MM, allows for a more directed and efficient immune response and significantly reduces the off-target effects that often accompany traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation [2, 3].