Solid tumors and advanced therapies: why science alone will not deliver the cure
Abstract
Despite remarkable progress in hematologic cancers, advanced therapies (CAR-T, TCR, in vivo CARs, and engineered immune cells) have consistently failed to deliver durable benefit in solid tumors (with the exception of lifileucel and afamitresgene autoleucel). The underlying causes are not purely biological. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is indeed a formidable, multifactorial barrier: a physical and chemical fortress that limits infiltration, perfusion, and persistence. Yet scientific innovation alone cannot solve what is equally a translational and systemic challenge. Capital irrationality, fragmented IP strategies, and the lack of a rational, product-oriented mindset are stalling genuine progress.
Fields of Study & Subjects
CAR-T cell therapy research
Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
Immunotherapy and Immune Responses
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cell and Gene Therapy Insights
- Volume
- 12
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 155–162–155–162
- Publication date
- 25 February 2026
- Language
- EN