Chimeric antigen receptor T cells

Chimeric antigen receptor T cells have been developed to marry the killing power of a T cell with the antigen recognition of an antibody. They are living drugs that can replicate rapidly in vivo and persist to provide anticancer activity for months and even years after a single infusion. Although the application of this technology is only in its early stages, clinical trials have shown striking results: patients who have exhausted all other treatment options have been cured of aggressive advanced disease and are surviving at 7 years’ follow up.