Satri-cel CAR T Therapy Nearly Doubles Survival in Advanced Gastric Cancer in China

Recent clinical trials have demonstrated significant advancements in CAR T-cell therapies for treating difficult solid tumors, particularly gastric and gastro-esophageal junction cancers. Satri-cel, a CLDN18.2-targeted CAR T-cell therapy, nearly doubles progression-free survival and improves overall survival compared to standard treatments in patients with advanced, heavily pre-treated stomach cancers, with tumor shrinkage observed in a higher proportion of treated patients. This therapy employs genetically modified immune cells derived from patients to directly attack tumor cells expressing the CLDN18.2 protein, which is accessible in cancerous tissue but protected in healthy cells. Additionally, preclinical studies have shown engineered CAR T cells can effectively target metastasized colorectal cancer in mice through intravenous infusion, potentially overcoming the challenges of treating solid tumors that have spread. Researchers also continue to investigate molecular mechanisms influencing CAR T-cell efficacy in blood cancers, aiming to enhance treatment outcomes. While promising, these therapies can involve significant side effects, underscoring the need for continued optimization and clinical evaluation.