Narrow Results

In the past decade, several major breakthroughs and groundbreaking discoveries have been reported from medical science researchers involved in the areas of hematology and oncology, due to improved understanding of the human immune system. Novel amongst these discoveries is the biopharmaceuticals such as monoclonal antibodies and immune checkpoint regulators that have revolutionized our options of therapeutic interventions for patients with diseases once considered untreatable. Autologous/allogeneic/mesenchymal stem cells are collected by Apheresis machines and are used in regenerative medicine by physicians to treat previously considered incurable diseases. Eventually, it has all progressed to the reprogramming of somatic cells by genetic engineering techniques. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cells are reprogrammed cells with the capacity to kill malignant cells via binding of their new, synthetic and specific receptors to their targets on tumor cells. Some of the CAR T-cell preparations are currently approved by the Food and Drug Agency for the treatment of refractory acute lymphocytic leukemia and diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Their potentials are under investigation in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, multiple myeloma, and other lymphomas. After constructing a CAR gene and transferring it into patients’ own T-cells’ DNA via a vector, genetically modified CAR T-cells are created. Currently, CAR T-cells are more popular and effective than dendritic cell-based tumor vaccines. Development and usage of CAR T-cells in clinical studies have also been reviewed.