Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Generation of CAR T Cells for Adoptive Therapy in the Context of Glioblastoma Standard of Care
12:55

Generation of CAR T Cells for Adoptive Therapy in the Context of Glioblastoma Standard of Care

Published on: February 16, 2015

Armored Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy Targets Antigen-Heterogeneous Glioma

Justin D Clubb1, Ryan M Shih2, Torahito A Gao1

  • 1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.

Cancer Research
|May 20, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Chimeric-antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy shows promise for glioblastoma. Combining CAR-T cells with IL-12 and IL-18, plus anti-VEGF CAR-T cells, effectively combats tumors while managing toxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunotherapy
  • Cellular Therapy

Background:

  • Glioblastoma lacks effective treatments.
  • CAR-T cell therapy faces challenges like tumor heterogeneity and immunosuppression.
  • Engineered CAR-T cells secreting immunomodulatory proteins can enhance anti-tumor immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate synergistic combinations of engineered CAR-T cells for glioblastoma treatment.
  • To identify optimal CAR-T cell armor strategies to overcome tumor defenses.
  • To assess combination therapy for efficacy and toxicity mitigation in vivo.

Main Methods:

  • In vivo comparison of engineered CAR-T cell combinations in immunocompetent mouse models.
  • Evaluation of CAR-T cells secreting IL-12 and decoy-resistant IL-18 (CAR-12.DR18).
  • Assessment of combination therapy with CAR-12.DR18 T cells and anti-VEGF-A CAR-T cells.

Main Results:

  • CAR-12.DR18 T cells demonstrated strong efficacy against antigen-heterogeneous glioma.
  • Combination therapy with CAR-12.DR18 T cells and anti-VEGF-A CAR-T cells achieved robust anti-tumor effects.
  • The combination therapy effectively mitigated toxicity while enhancing anti-tumor activity.

Conclusions:

  • Engineered CAR-T cells secreting IL-12 and decoy-resistant IL-18 offer a promising strategy for glioblastoma.
  • Combination immunotherapy using CAR-12.DR18 T cells and anti-VEGF-A CAR-T cells presents a clinically applicable approach.
  • This combination therapy overcomes key glioblastoma treatment barriers, including heterogeneity and immunosuppression.

More Related Videos

In Vitro Tumor Cell Rechallenge For Predictive Evaluation of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Antitumor Function08:04

In Vitro Tumor Cell Rechallenge For Predictive Evaluation of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Antitumor Function

Published on: February 27, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...