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Published on: February 21, 2025
Immune checkpoint inhibitors and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy: Potential treatment options against
Giuseppe Schepisi1, Caterina Gianni1, Maria Concetta Cursano1
1Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy.
Abstract:
Germ cell tumors (GCTs) represent a heterogeneous neoplasm family affecting gonads and rarely occurring in extragonadal areas. Most of patients have a good prognosis, often even in the presence of metastatic disease; however, in almost 15% of cases, tumor relapse and platinum resistance are the main challenges. Thus, novel treatment strategies with both improved antineoplastic activity and minor treatment-related adverse events compared with platinum are really expected. In this context, the development and the high activity demonstrated by immune checkpoint inhibitors in solid tumors and, subsequently, the interesting results obtained from the use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-) T cell therapy in hematological tumors, have stimulated research in this direction also in GCTs. In this article, we will analyze the molecular mechanisms underlying the immune action in the development of GCTs, and we will report the data from the studies that tested the new immunotherapeutic approaches in these neoplasms.
Insights
Novel immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, show promise for treating germ cell tumors (GCTs). These approaches aim to improve efficacy and reduce side effects compared to traditional platinum-based treatments, especially for relapsed or resistant GCTs.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are a diverse group of neoplasms originating in the gonads or extragonadal sites.
- While many GCTs have a favorable prognosis, approximately 15% experience relapse or resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy.
- There is a critical need for novel therapeutic strategies with enhanced antineoplastic activity and reduced toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the molecular mechanisms of immune involvement in GCT development.
- To review emerging immunotherapeutic approaches for GCTs.
- To evaluate the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell therapy in GCT treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating immunotherapy in GCTs.
- Analysis of molecular pathways related to immune response in GCT pathogenesis.
- Synthesis of data from preclinical and clinical studies of novel immunotherapies.
Main Results:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown significant activity in various solid tumors.
- Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has demonstrated promising results in hematological malignancies.
- Early research suggests potential for these immunotherapies in treating GCTs, addressing unmet clinical needs.
Conclusions:
- Immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell therapy, represents a promising frontier for GCT treatment.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the full potential and optimize the application of these novel strategies in GCT patients.
- These innovative approaches may offer improved outcomes and reduced toxicity compared to current standards of care for GCTs.
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