Recent advances in CAR T-cell therapy for lymphoma in China

Lymphoma is a hematologic malignancy which mainly consists of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Although systemic chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other advanced therapeutics, including rituximab or immune checkpoint inhibitors, have improved the prognosis in recent decades, there are still a number of patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) lymphoma with a poor prognosis. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has provided a curative option for patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoma. Numerous clinical trials have been conducted worldwide and presented inspiring results that give insight into this breakthrough therapy. The development of cancer cell therapy in China has been rapid in the past years and dominates the field with the USA. This review aims to summarize the published results of CAR T-cell therapy alone or in combination with other therapies in mainland China, both in R/R NHL and R/R HL.

Automated summary

Lymphoma, including Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), is a hematologic malignancy. Despite advancements in systemic chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other therapies, a significant number of patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) lymphoma still have a poor prognosis. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has emerged as a curative option for these patients, with inspiring results reported in global clinical trials. China has rapidly developed in the field of cancer cell therapy and is a leading force alongside the USA. This review aims to summarize the published results of CAR T-cell therapy, alone or in combination with other therapies, in mainland China for R/R NHL and R/R HL patients.