Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 20, 2025

Tracking Bispecific Antibody-Induced T Cell Trafficking Using Luciferase-Transduced Human T Cells
Published on: May 12, 2023
Overcoming Challenges for CD3-Bispecific Antibody Therapy in Solid Tumors
Jim Middelburg1, Kristel Kemper2, Patrick Engelberts2
1Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Immunotherapy of cancer with CD3-bispecific antibodies is an approved therapeutic option for some hematological malignancies and is under clinical investigation for solid cancers. However, the treatment of solid tumors faces more pronounced hurdles, such as increased on-target off-tumor toxicities, sparse T-cell infiltration and impaired T-cell quality due to the presence of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which affect the safety and limit efficacy of CD3-bispecific antibody therapy. In this review, we provide a brief status update of the CD3-bispecific antibody therapy field and identify intrinsic hurdles in solid cancers. Furthermore, we describe potential combinatorial approaches to overcome these challenges in order to generate selective and more effective responses.
Insights
Bispecific CD3 antibodies show promise for treating solid tumors but face challenges like toxicity and poor T-cell infiltration. Combinatorial strategies are needed to improve safety and efficacy for better cancer immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bispecific CD3 antibodies are approved for hematological malignancies and are being investigated for solid tumors.
- Solid tumor treatment with these antibodies faces hurdles including on-target off-tumor toxicities and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
- These challenges limit the safety and efficacy of CD3-bispecific antibody therapy in solid cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an update on CD3-bispecific antibody therapy.
- To identify intrinsic challenges in treating solid tumors with CD3-bispecific antibodies.
- To explore combinatorial approaches to enhance the effectiveness and safety of this therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of CD3-bispecific antibody therapy.
- Analysis of challenges in solid tumor microenvironments.
- Discussion of potential combination strategies.
Main Results:
- CD3-bispecific antibody therapy is effective in hematological cancers but faces significant hurdles in solid tumors.
- Key challenges include toxicity, limited T-cell infiltration, and immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment.
- Combinatorial approaches offer potential solutions to overcome these limitations.
Conclusions:
- Overcoming the unique challenges of solid tumors is crucial for advancing CD3-bispecific antibody immunotherapy.
- Combination strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment and T-cell function are essential.
- Developing selective and effective responses requires innovative therapeutic combinations.

