Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 15, 2025
Generation of CAR T Cells for Adoptive Therapy in the Context of Glioblastoma Standard of Care
Published on: February 16, 2015
Global Perspective on the Development of Genetically Modified Immune Cells for Cancer Therapy
Laetitia Pinte1, Amy Cunningham1, Helene Trébéden-Negre1
1Connell and O'Reilly Families Cell Manipulation Core Facility, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
Abstract:
Since the first genetically-engineered clinical trial was posted to clinicaltrials.gov in 2003 (NCT00019136), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T-cell receptor (TCR) therapies have exhibited unprecedented growth. USA, China, and Europe have emerged as major sites of investigation as many new biotechnology and established pharmaceutical companies invest in this rapidly evolving field. Although initial studies focused primarily on CD19 as a target antigen, many novel targets are now being evaluated. Next-generation genetic constructs, starting materials, and manufacturing strategies are also being applied to enhance efficacy and safety and to treat solid tumors as well as hematologic malignancies. Fueled by dramatic clinical efficacy and recent regulatory approvals of CD19-targeted CAR cell therapies, the field of engineered cell therapeutics continues to expand. Here, we review all 745 genetically modified CAR and TCR clinical trials with anticipated accrual of over 28,000 patients posted to clinicaltrials.gov until 31st of December 2019. We analyze projected patient enrollment, geographic distribution and phase of studies, target antigens and diseases, current strategies for optimizing efficacy and safety, and trials expected to yield important clinical data in the coming 6-12 months.
Insights
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T-cell receptor (TCR) therapies have seen significant growth since 2003. This review analyzes 745 trials, focusing on targets, patient enrollment, and strategies to improve efficacy and safety.
Area of Science:
- * Cellular immunotherapy, focusing on genetically engineered T-cell therapies.
- * Biotechnology and pharmaceutical research and development.
Background:
- * The field of engineered cell therapeutics, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T-cell receptor (TCR) therapies, has expanded rapidly since 2003.
- * Significant investment from biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in the USA, China, and Europe drives this growth.
- * Initial focus on CD19 targets is broadening to novel antigens for both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review all 745 genetically modified CAR and TCR clinical trials registered on clinicaltrials.gov up to December 31, 2019.
- * To analyze trends in patient enrollment, geographic distribution, study phases, and target antigens.
- * To examine strategies for enhancing efficacy and safety and identify upcoming trials with significant data.
Main Methods:
- * Comprehensive review of clinical trial data from clinicaltrials.gov.
- * Analysis of 745 genetically modified CAR and TCR trials registered by December 31, 2019.
- * Examination of projected patient accrual, geographic distribution, study phases, and target diseases.
Main Results:
- * Anticipated accrual of over 28,000 patients across 745 registered CAR and TCR clinical trials.
- * Analysis of geographic distribution, study phases, and evolving target antigens and diseases.
- * Identification of strategies aimed at improving treatment efficacy and safety.
Conclusions:
- * The field of engineered cell therapeutics is rapidly expanding, with a growing number of clinical trials targeting diverse diseases.
- * Ongoing research focuses on next-generation constructs, novel targets, and improved manufacturing to enhance efficacy and safety.
- * Upcoming clinical data from these trials are expected to significantly advance the therapeutic landscape.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
02:43Mouse Models of Cancer Study
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...