CAR-T cell therapy: Advancements in clinical applications and laboratory testing

CAR-T cell therapy is a representative form of adoptive cancer immunotherapy. This review summarizes recent advances in CAR-T cell therapy and associated laboratory tests for clinical practice. CAR-T cell therapy is designed to enhance T cell immunity, distinguishing it from conventional cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. It has shown significant efficacy in hematologic malignancies but continues to yield limited results in many solid tumors. Intensive research efforts are underway to develop more potent CAR-T cells and to uncover mechanisms of resistance. For broader clinical application, the development of reliable biomarkers and standardized management guidelines is essential. These include criteria for evaluating leukapheresis success, tests for CAR-T efficacy, biomarkers for prognosis or resistance, and laboratory assays for detecting side effects and toxicity. Recent progress in laboratory diagnostics in the clinical field will play a pivotal role in optimizing patient management in the era of CAR-T cell therapy.