CAR-T: expanding the horizons

Abstract

Immunotherapy in cancer treatment The human immune system provides a powerful response to invading organisms, destroying bacteria and viruses, as well as aberrant cells that turn cancerous and proliferate uncontrollably. The enquiring mind naturally wonders whether this system could be exploited to treat cancers that have somehow evaded our immune defences. Those cancers that do not respond to chemotherapy or radiotherapy, necessarily harsh and sometimes ineffective treatments, could potentially be thwarted by harnessing the power of our antibodies. Evidence to date suggests that this approach is feasible, although there is still much work to be done before we can say we have finally found a ‘cure’ via this route.