Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells for the treatment of solid tumors: Defining the challenges and next steps

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has shown promise in CD19 expressing hematologic malignancies, but how to translate this success to solid malignancies remains elusive. Effective translation of CART cells to solid tumors will require an understanding of potential therapeutic barriers, including factors that regulate CART cells expansion, persistence, trafficking, and fate within tumors. Herein, we describe the current state of CART cells in solid tumors; define key barriers to CART cell efficacy and mechanisms underlying these barriers, outline potential avenues for overcoming these therapeutic obstacles, and discuss the future of translating CART cells for the treatment of patients with solid malignancies. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.