Cancer Summit

Advances in Immuno-Oncology and CAR-T Cell Therapies

Immuno-oncology, particularly CAR-T cell therapy, represents a revolutionary approach in cancer treatment by leveraging the patient’s immune system to specifically target and eliminate tumor cells. Current trends focus on engineering T cells to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that recognize tumor-specific antigens, providing highly personalized and potent anti-cancer activity. CAR-T therapies have shown remarkable success in hematologic malignancies, including leukemia and lymphoma, and ongoing research aims to overcome challenges in solid tumors through multi-targeted CAR designs and enhanced tumor infiltration strategies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 blockers, are being combined with CAR-T therapies to improve efficacy and overcome immune evasion mechanisms. Innovations in next-generation CAR-T platforms focus on improving safety, reducing cytokine release syndrome, and prolonging T cell persistence. Additionally, bispecific T cell engagers (BiTEs), tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapies, and oncolytic viruses are complementing the immunotherapy landscape, expanding treatment options for previously refractory cancers. Integration of genomic and proteomic profiling enables identification of ideal candidates and optimization of personalized immunotherapy protocols. Regulatory frameworks, scalable manufacturing, and cost-effectiveness remain critical considerations for broader global adoption. This session will explore the latest clinical advancements, translational research, combination strategies, and technological innovations in immuno-oncology and CAR-T therapy, highlighting their transformative potential to improve long-term survival and reshape the future of cancer care.