CAR-T cell therapy in china: innovations, challenges, and strategic pathways
Abstract Cancer immunotherapy has transformed oncology, with CAR-T cell therapy emerging as a cornerstone of personalized treatment for hematologic malignancies. In China, rapid advancements in domestically developed CAR-T therapies have achieved clinical outcomes comparable to global benchmarks, wi...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Springer
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Discover Oncology |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-03282-9 |
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| author | Lihui Yan Boshi Duan Peng Sun Tianzuo Wang Tianyou Wang Shuang Jiang Yue Wang |
| author_facet | Lihui Yan Boshi Duan Peng Sun Tianzuo Wang Tianyou Wang Shuang Jiang Yue Wang |
| author_sort | Lihui Yan |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Cancer immunotherapy has transformed oncology, with CAR-T cell therapy emerging as a cornerstone of personalized treatment for hematologic malignancies. In China, rapid advancements in domestically developed CAR-T therapies have achieved clinical outcomes comparable to global benchmarks, with overall response rates (ORR) of 79–89% in B-cell malignancies and 64% 12-month progression-free survival in multiple myeloma. Despite these successes, CAR-T application in solid tumors remains hindered by antigen heterogeneity, immunosuppressive microenvironments, and on-target/off-tumor toxicity. To address these barriers, China has pioneered innovative strategies, including dual-target CAR-T constructs, armored CAR-Ts secreting immunomodulatory cytokines, and synergistic integration with traditional Chinese medicine, which enhances CAR-T efficacy by inhibiting myeloid-derived suppressor cells and reducing cytokine release syndrome. Notably, preclinical studies demonstrate that Huangqin increases tumor regression rates from 40 to 65% in lung cancer models when combined with CAR-T therapy. Concurrently, China is reshaping accessibility through policy innovations such as the “1 + 3 + N” multi-tiered payment system and regional insurance pilots, which reduce patient costs by 50%. Strategic investments in automated manufacturing and global regulatory harmonization further position China as a leader in cost-effective CAR-T development. However, challenges persist in solid tumor targeting, international market integration, and long-term safety monitoring. Future directions emphasize precision engineering, AI-driven treatment optimization, and cross-border collaborations to advance next-generation therapies. By balancing innovation, affordability, and policy agility, China is poised to drive the global evolution of cancer immunotherapy while addressing unmet needs in both hematologic and solid malignancies. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-6c97db4df95e43928404ca748b3e297c |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2730-6011 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | Springer |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Discover Oncology |
| spelling | doaj-art-6c97db4df95e43928404ca748b3e297c2025-08-24T11:36:04ZengSpringerDiscover Oncology2730-60112025-08-0116111010.1007/s12672-025-03282-9CAR-T cell therapy in china: innovations, challenges, and strategic pathwaysLihui Yan0Boshi Duan1Peng Sun2Tianzuo WangTianyou WangShuang Jiang3Yue Wang4Department of Pain Relief Therapeutic, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & InstituteDepartment of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeDepartment of Hand Surgery 4 Ward, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical CollegePsychology Clinic, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & InstituteDepartment of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & InstituteAbstract Cancer immunotherapy has transformed oncology, with CAR-T cell therapy emerging as a cornerstone of personalized treatment for hematologic malignancies. In China, rapid advancements in domestically developed CAR-T therapies have achieved clinical outcomes comparable to global benchmarks, with overall response rates (ORR) of 79–89% in B-cell malignancies and 64% 12-month progression-free survival in multiple myeloma. Despite these successes, CAR-T application in solid tumors remains hindered by antigen heterogeneity, immunosuppressive microenvironments, and on-target/off-tumor toxicity. To address these barriers, China has pioneered innovative strategies, including dual-target CAR-T constructs, armored CAR-Ts secreting immunomodulatory cytokines, and synergistic integration with traditional Chinese medicine, which enhances CAR-T efficacy by inhibiting myeloid-derived suppressor cells and reducing cytokine release syndrome. Notably, preclinical studies demonstrate that Huangqin increases tumor regression rates from 40 to 65% in lung cancer models when combined with CAR-T therapy. Concurrently, China is reshaping accessibility through policy innovations such as the “1 + 3 + N” multi-tiered payment system and regional insurance pilots, which reduce patient costs by 50%. Strategic investments in automated manufacturing and global regulatory harmonization further position China as a leader in cost-effective CAR-T development. However, challenges persist in solid tumor targeting, international market integration, and long-term safety monitoring. Future directions emphasize precision engineering, AI-driven treatment optimization, and cross-border collaborations to advance next-generation therapies. By balancing innovation, affordability, and policy agility, China is poised to drive the global evolution of cancer immunotherapy while addressing unmet needs in both hematologic and solid malignancies.https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-03282-9Tumor immunotherapyImmune cell therapyImmune checkpoint therapyCAR-TBispecific antibodies |
| spellingShingle | Lihui Yan Boshi Duan Peng Sun Tianzuo Wang Tianyou Wang Shuang Jiang Yue Wang CAR-T cell therapy in china: innovations, challenges, and strategic pathways Discover Oncology Tumor immunotherapy Immune cell therapy Immune checkpoint therapy CAR-T Bispecific antibodies |
| title | CAR-T cell therapy in china: innovations, challenges, and strategic pathways |
| title_full | CAR-T cell therapy in china: innovations, challenges, and strategic pathways |
| title_fullStr | CAR-T cell therapy in china: innovations, challenges, and strategic pathways |
| title_full_unstemmed | CAR-T cell therapy in china: innovations, challenges, and strategic pathways |
| title_short | CAR-T cell therapy in china: innovations, challenges, and strategic pathways |
| title_sort | car t cell therapy in china innovations challenges and strategic pathways |
| topic | Tumor immunotherapy Immune cell therapy Immune checkpoint therapy CAR-T Bispecific antibodies |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-03282-9 |
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