Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T Cells in Colorectal Cancer: Pioneering New Avenues in Solid Tumor Immunotherapy
Shaida Ouladan, Elias Orouji
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major global health burden, being one of the most prevalent cancers with high mortality rates. Despite advances in conventional treatment modalities, patients with metastatic CRC often face limited options and poor outcomes. Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell therapy, initially successful in hematologic malignancies, presents a promising avenue for treating solid tumors, including CRC. This review explores the potential of CAR-T cell therapy in CRC by analyzing clinical trials and highlighting prominent CRC-specific targets. We discuss the challenges such as immunosuppressive microenvironment, tumor heterogeneity, and physical barriers that limit CAR-T efficacy. Emerging strategies, such as logic-gated and dual-targeting CAR-T cells, offer practical solutions to overcome these hurdles. Furthermore, we explore the combination of CAR-T cell therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors to enhance T-cell persistence and tumor infiltration. As the field continues to evolve, CAR-T cell therapies hold significant potential for revolutionizing the treatment landscape of CRC.