Ultra-sensitive CAR-T cells offer a potential strategy for treating solid tumors

Does the press release accurately reflect the study?

“Yes, in general terms, the press release correctly reflects the central message of the study. However, it simplifies some key aspects, such as the concept of ‘CD70 as a pan-cancer target,’ the potentially exaggerated interpretation of the term ‘ultra-sensitive,’ given that the study compares a conventional CAR with a HIT receptor featuring CD80/4-1BBL costimulation; and it lacks contextualization regarding its limitations.”

Is the study of good quality? Are the conclusions supported by solid data?

“Yes, the study is of high methodological quality and the conclusions are reasonably supported by the data, although with some limitations inherent to preclinical work.”

How does this work fit with existing evidence?

“It fits well with the existing evidence and introduces an important conceptual nuance that reinterprets part of the current CAR-T paradigm for solid tumors: the problem is not necessarily that the target tumor antigen is absent, but rather that the receptor is not sufficiently sensitive.”

What are the real-world implications?

“In the real world, this work implies a possible expansion of the universe of targets in solid tumors, a change in patient selection criteria, greater regulatory complexity, and a potential risk of toxicity if sensitivity is excessive.”