CAR-Based Cell Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer: A Comprehensive Review on Clinical Applicability
Chimeric antigen receptor T‑cell (CAR‑T) therapy may be developed and used as a therapeutic strategy for head and neck cancer (HNC) and could represent a new approach to treat this solid tumour
Background/Objectives: Chimeric antigen receptor T‑cell (CAR‑T) therapy is a novel form of adoptive cellular immunotherapy that involves modifying autologous T cells to recognize and target tumour‑associated antigens (TAAs) on malignant cells, independent of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction. Although CAR‑T therapy has shown remarkable success in treating hematologic malignancies, its efficacy in solid tumours remains limited, largely due to the lack of tumour‑specific antigens and the complexity of the tumour microenvironment. This review aims to explore the rationale for continuing the development of adoptive cellular therapies in head and neck cancer (HNC), offering insights into the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with this heterogeneous group of malignancies. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature review using the PubMed database to identify relevant studies on the application of CAR‑T cell therapy in the management of HNC. Results: HNC presented numerous barriers to CAR‑T cell infiltration, primarily due to the unique characteristics of its tumour microenvironment (TME). The TME in HNC is notably immunosuppressive, with a lymphocytic infiltrate predominantly composed of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and natural killer (NK) cells. These immune cells typically exhibit low expression of the CD16 receptor, which plays a crucial role in mediating antibody‑dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), thereby limiting the effectiveness of CAR‑T cell therapy. Conclusions: This comprehensive review suggests a potential clinical applicability of CAR‑T therapy in HNC management.
Head and neck cancers are associated with high morbidity and mortality, and current treatments are often inadequate, especially for recurrent or metastatic disease. CAR‑T therapy offers a promising approach that bypasses MHC restriction and can target tumour‑specific antigens directly, potentially improving patient outcomes for this solid tumour type.
Bizonyítékszint: Klinikai vizsgálat. Formális klinikai vizsgálati eredmény.
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