Last reviewed · How we verify
CAR T cells
CAR T cells are engineered immune cells that recognize and kill cancer cells by expressing chimeric antigen receptors targeting tumor-associated antigens.
CAR T cells are engineered immune cells that recognize and kill cancer cells by expressing chimeric antigen receptors targeting tumor-associated antigens. Used for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), Multiple myeloma.
At a glance
| Generic name | CAR T cells |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center |
| Drug class | CAR T cell therapy |
| Target | Tumor-associated antigens (e.g., CD19, BCMA, mesothelin depending on construct) |
| Modality | Biologic |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
CAR T cell therapy involves extracting a patient's T lymphocytes, genetically modifying them to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that bind to specific tumor antigens, and reinfusing the expanded cells to attack cancer. The CAR combines an extracellular antigen-binding domain with intracellular signaling domains that activate T cell killing mechanisms. This approach enables targeted destruction of malignant cells while potentially sparing normal tissues.
Approved indications
- B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
- Multiple myeloma
- Other hematologic and solid malignancies (investigational)
Common side effects
- Cytokine release syndrome (CRS)
- Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS)
- Cytopenias
- Infections
- Fever
- Hypotension
Key clinical trials
- A Phase I, Single-arm, Open-label Clinical Study to Evaluate the Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Preliminary Efficacy of CHT101 Cell Infusion in Adult Subjects With Recurrent or Progressive Malignant Primary Brain Tumors(CROWN) (PHASE1)
- Descartes-08 for Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (PHASE2)
- A First-in-human (FIH), Phase 1 Study of ML261, an Autologous Potency Enhanced Anti-DLL3 CAR T Cell Therapy, in Participants With R/R SCLC or Select NECs (PHASE1)
- Metabolically Fit CD19 CAR T-cell Therapy With CD34 Selection in Patients With CD19+ Relapsed/Refractory NHL, CLL/SLL (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- A Study Comparing Anitocabtagene Autoleucel to Standard of Care Therapy in Participants With Relapsed/ Refractory Multiple Myeloma (PHASE3)
- RESET-Myositis: An Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of CABA-201 in Subjects With Active Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy or Juvenile Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Prospective Evaluation Of Delayed Effects Of Pediatric Car T Cell Therapy
- Pediatric-Inspired Regimen Combined With Venetoclax and Immunotherapy for Adult Ph-Negative Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- CAR T cells CI brief — competitive landscape report
- CAR T cells updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center portfolio CI