Cell transfer therapy for cancer: past, present, and future

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Immunotherapy is the fourth pillar of cancer treatment.
• Cell transfer therapy utilizes immune cells to combat cancer.
• Recent advancements show promise in enhancing antitumor responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent progress in cell transfer therapy for cancer.
• To explore the application of dendritic cells, NK cells, and T cells in cancer treatment.
• To highlight the potential of immunotherapy in overcoming treatment-induced immunosuppression.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature on cell transfer therapy.
• Analysis of different immune cell types used in therapy: dendritic cells, NK cells, T lymphocytes (TILs, CTLs).
• Discussion of in vitro activation and engineering of immune cells for enhanced efficacy.

Main Results:

• Cell transfer therapy demonstrates significant progress in cancer treatment.
• Activated immune cells can effectively target cancer tissues.
• Therapy is particularly crucial in managing immunosuppression post-chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

• Dendritic cells, NK cells, and T cells are key players in modern cancer immunotherapy.
• In vitro-modified immune cells offer a promising strategy for persistent antitumor immunity.
• Cell transfer therapy represents a rapidly advancing frontier in oncology.