Cell therapy of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: Transplants and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells

There is substantial progress in the therapy of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), much of it the result of new drug development. As such the definition of high-risk CLL is changing. Nevertheless, few persons with CLL are cured with current therapy. Two types of cell therapies of CLL are currently being evaluated or re-evaluated in the context of these advances: haematopoietic cell transplants and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cells. We discuss the potential role of these cell therapies in the context of the evolving therapy topography of CLL including how these therapies work and who, if anyone, is an appropriate candidate for cell therapy.

Automated summary

There has been significant progress in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), largely due to the development of new drugs. However, current therapies are unable to cure the majority of CLL patients. Two types of cell therapies, hematopoietic cell transplants and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, are currently being evaluated or re-evaluated in the context of these advancements. We discuss the potential role of these cell therapies in the evolving treatment landscape of CLL, including their mechanisms of action and appropriate candidates for cell therapy.