Current Developments in Cellular Therapy for Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States and Europe. While conventional treatment options either have high toxicity profiles or are limited by the tumor’s ability to develop resistance, immunotherapy is specific in targeting malignant cells. It can also enable the immune system to adapt dynamically while the tumor evades the destruction process. Cellular Immunotherapy in particular is a promising approach; however, there are gaps in knowledge in the current literature on its application. To contribute to a wider understanding of cellular immunotherapy, specifically focusing on the chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) T-cells, their benefits and application in clinical settings, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review. ABSTRACT: Recently, the development of immunotherapies such as cellular therapy, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines and immunomodulators has revolutionized the treatment of various cancer entities. In order to close the existing gaps in knowledge about cellular immunotherapy, specifically focusing on the chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) T-cells, their benefits and application in clinical settings, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review. Two co-authors independently searched the literature and characterized the results. Out of 183 records, 26 were considered eligible. This review provides an overview of the cellular immunotherapy landscape in treating prostate cancer, honing in on the challenges of employing CAR T-cell therapy. CAR T-cell therapy is a promising avenue for research due to the presence of an array of different tumor specific antigens. In prostate cancer, the complex microenvironment of the tumor vastly contributes to the success or failure of immunotherapies.