This review article examines the evolution and current state of cellular immunotherapies specifically designed to treat solid tumors. While these therapies have achieved significant success in blood cancers, the authors identify major functional hurdles such as poor tumor penetration, target recognition errors, and the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor environment. The text outlines various therapeutic modalities, including engineered T cells, NK cells, and cellular vaccines, while detailing how synthetic biology and genetic engineering can enhance their efficacy. Beyond biological obstacles, the source emphasizes translational challenges involving complex manufacturing processes, delivery methods, and post-treatment monitoring. Ultimately, the authors propose a multidisciplinary framework that integrates material science and biotechnology to create more accessible and potent next-generation cancer treatments.

References:

• Chen Y C, Chen K S, Levine B L, et al. Overcoming functional and translational challenges of cellular immunotherapies for solid tumors[J]. Cancer Cell, 2026.