The Flipside of the Power of Engineered T Cells: Observed and Potential Toxicities of Genetically Modified T Cells as Therapy

Mol Ther. 2017 Feb 1;25(2):314-320. doi: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2016.11.011.

Abstract

Autologous T cells modified to recognize novel antigen targets are a novel form of therapy for cancer. We review the various potential forms of observed and hypothetical toxicities associated with genetically modified T cells. Despite the focus on toxicities in this review, re-directed T cells represent a powerful and highly effective form of anti-cancer therapy; we remain optimistic that the common toxicities will become routinely manageable and that some theoretical toxicity will be exceedingly rare, if ever observed.

Keywords: CAR T cells; adoptive therapy; toxicity.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Engineering*
  • Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy* / adverse effects
  • Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy* / methods
  • Genetic Engineering*
  • Genetic Therapy* / adverse effects
  • Genetic Therapy* / methods
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive* / adverse effects
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive* / methods
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*