T-Cell Engager Therapy in Prostate Cancer: Molecular Insights into a New Frontier in Immunotherapy
Whi‐An Kwon, Jae Young Joung
Abstract
Advanced prostate cancer (PCa) remains lethal despite standard therapies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors offer limited benefit in its "immune-cold" microenvironment. T-cell engagers (TCEs)-bispecific antibodies linking CD3 on T-cells to tumor-associated antigens (TAAs)-provide potent, MHC-independent cytotoxicity, overcoming a key resistance mechanism. While early PSMA-targeted TCEs established proof-of-concept, recent data, notably for six transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate 1 (STEAP1)-targeting agents like Xaluritamig, demonstrate more substantial objective responses, highlighting progress through improved target selection and molecular design. This review synthesizes the evolving landscape of TCEs targeting PSMA, STEAP1, and DLL3 in PCa. We critically evaluate emerging clinical evidence, arguing that realizing the significant therapeutic potential of TCEs requires overcoming key challenges, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS), limited response durability, and antigen escape. We contend that future success hinges on sophisticated engineering strategies (e.g., affinity tuning, masking, multispecific constructs) and rationally designed combination therapies tailored to disease-specific hurdles. Strategies for toxicity mitigation, the crucial role of biomarker-driven patient selection, and potential integration with existing treatments are also discussed. Accumulating evidence supports TCEs becoming a new therapeutic pillar for advanced PCa, but achieving this demands sustained innovation focused on optimizing efficacy and safety. This review critically connects molecular engineering advancements with clinical realities and future imperatives.