A new era of gene and cell therapy for cancer: a narrative review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: With the development of cytology and genomics, genetically modified immune cells have established their role from principle to clinical applications, achieving outstanding therapeutic effects in hematologic malignancies. However, even though encouraging initial response rates, many patients experience a relapse. In addition, there are still many obstacles preventing the use of genetically modified immune cells in treating solid tumors. Nevertheless, the therapeutic effect of genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs) in malignant diseases, especially solid tumors, has been widely investigated, and related clinical trials are gradually being carried out. This review aims to describe the progress of gene and cell therapy and the current status of stem cell clinical trials in China. This review focuses on the research and application prospects of genetically engineered cell therapy using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for cancer. METHODS: A literature search of PubMed, SpringerLink, Wiley, Web of Science, and Wanfang database was carried out for published articles on gene and cell therapy up to August 2022. KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS: This article reviews the development of gene and cell therapy and the current status of the development of stem cell drugs in China, with a particular focus given to the advent of the novel therapy of EMSCs. CONCLUSIONS: Gene and cell therapies have a promising therapeutic effect on many diseases, especially recurrent and refractory cancers. Further development of gene and cell therapy is expected to promote precision medicine and individualized therapy and open a new era of therapy for human diseases.