CAR-T cells development in solid tumors

CAR-T cells have produced very promising results in the field of onco-hematology and have been rapidly approved for marketing in France for several years now. In solid tumors, current results are more disappointing. Indeed, many hurdles come in the way. Tumor vascularization, the strongly immunosuppressive microenvironment, the loss of the target antigen as well as T cell exhaustion are part of the explanation of those results. Hence many researchers are working to develop strategies to counteract these resistance mechanisms. Arming CAR-T cells with BiTEs, with immune checkpoint inhibitors or with interleukins seem to be effective ways to improve anti-tumor efficacy. Other strategies including vaccines association or local delivery of the CAR-T cells look very promising. Many Phase I studies are investigating these new strategies and are expected to improve the previous results obtained to date in this area.