Advancements in Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China

^* Corresponding author: email: 1911441109@mail.sit.edu.cn

Abstract

Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy nowadays symbolizes an innovative paradigm of neoplasm immunotherapy that employs genetic engineering techniques to empower T cells and make it have a capability to precisely identify tumor-associated antigens, thereby unleashing potent anti-tumor responses. The remarkable success observed in leukemia and lymphoma treatment has shown the possibility for extending CAR-T therapy’s potential to solid tumors. In the context of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the prevailing form of primary hepatic malignancy, diagnosis frequently occurs during advanced stages, imposing significant challenges. The current options available for managing HCC are notably limited, and though previous research has showcased the feasibility of CAR-T cell application, achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes has remained elusive. This phenomenon can be induced by various factors including adverse effects ， tumor microenvironment, the diversity inherent in tumor antigens, heightened intratumor pressures and the immunosuppressive context within exhaustion of CAR-T Cells. All of these reasons undermine the effectiveness of this therapy and a multitude of ongoing clinical investigations and preclinical research are underway to overcome these hurdles. This comprehensive review concisely outlines the function of this therapy, existing targets of HCC treatment and examines the current impediments and offers potential resolutions within the context of HCC.