Changes in cancer cell metabolism and what they mean for improved CAR T-cell treatments

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has shown success in hematologic malignancies but faces challenges in solid tumors due to metabolic barriers.

• The tumor microenvironment can impair CAR T-cell survival and function.
• Cancer cells exhibit metabolic adaptations that affect immune cell performance.
• Nutrient competition and the buildup of immunosuppressive substances reduce CAR T-cell efficacy.
• Strategies to improve CAR T-cell metabolic fitness may enhance their persistence in solid tumors.
• Combining metabolic interventions with CAR T-cell therapy could address existing limitations.

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