Systematic Review of Available CAR-T Cell Trials around the World

SIMPLE SUMMARY: CAR-T cells are genetically modified T cells that are reprogrammed to specifically eliminate cancer cells. Due to its clinical success to treat certain hematological malignancies, novel approaches to improve CAR-T cell-based therapies are being explored. This systematic review gives a worldwide overview of clinical trials evaluating new CAR-T cell therapies against different types of cancers, detailing the latest trends in CAR-T cell development. ABSTRACT: In this systematic review, we foresee what could be the approved scenario in the next few years for CAR-T cell therapies directed against hematological and solid tumor malignancies. China and the USA are the leading regions in numbers of clinical studies involving CAR-T. Hematological antigens CD19 and BCMA are the most targeted, followed by mesothelin, GPC3, CEA, MUC1, HER2, and EGFR for solid tumors. Most CAR constructs are second-generation, although third and fourth generations are being largely explored. Moreover, the benefit of combining CAR-T treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors and other drugs is also being assessed. Data regarding product formulation and administration, such as cell phenotype, transfection technique, and cell dosage, are scarce and could not be retrieved. Better tracking of trials’ status and results on the ClinicalTrials.gov database should aid in a more concise and general view of the ongoing clinical trials involving CAR-T cell therapy.