Breakthrough in cancer research: New approaches for CAR-T therapies!

Breakthrough in cancer research: New approaches for CAR-T therapies!

In April 2025, Cornelia Monzel strengthened the physics and biomedical systems department at the University of Stuttgart. Previously, she was a professor at the Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf. Her research aims to better understand how signals arise in cells. These biochemical communication processes are crucial for controlling the human immune system. Monzel emphasizes that a look at the single-molecule, nanoscale level is necessary to fully understand the activation of immune cells. Her working group at the 2nd Physical Institute is dedicated to the development of novel, high-resolution microscopic and spectroscopic analysis methods.

These innovative methods make it possible to precisely image molecules involved in cell signaling and measure their interactions. The project, funded by the Volkswagen Foundation, pursues application-related goals to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, particularly in the area of ​​CAR T-cell therapy.

Advances in CAR T-cell therapy

CAR T-cell therapy has established itself as a groundbreaking advance in oncology. In this innovative therapy, T cells of the immune system are genetically modified so that they can recognize and fight cancer cells more effectively. These T cells identify and destroy abnormal cells by scanning the cell surface for specific molecules and cell signals.

However, cancer cells have evolved the ability to use strategies to hide from T cells. The treatment spectrum of CAR T-cell therapy includes various strategies that are individually tailored to the patient. Before therapy begins, a comprehensive consultation takes place that takes into account the type of illness and the patient's personal life situation. Case management coordinates the steps of the treatment, which includes both allogeneic and autologous stem cell transplants as well as CAR T-cell therapy. Patients receive psychological support and are accompanied throughout the entire treatment process.

The Medical Clinic V offers special wards for optimal care of cancer patients, including a hematological intensive care unit for CAR-T cell therapy. After the CAR-T cell infusion, patients stay in the hospital for about two weeks, in single rooms with special air filtration to minimize the risk of infection. Here they receive comprehensive pre- and post-operative care, including antibody administration and blood transfusions.

Risks and new research approaches

Although CAR T-cell therapy has been particularly successful in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), relapses and neurological complaints have also been observed in some patients. These neurological problems are usually the result of an excessive immune reaction that triggers inflammatory reactions in the brain. Researchers at the University of Freiburg and the German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) have now identified an approach to inhibit the signaling molecule TAK1. This intervention could increase the effectiveness of CAR T-cell therapy while reducing inflammatory responses in the brain.

As part of these studies, the role of microglial cells that produce TNF-alpha is being investigated in detail. Recent studies have shown that inhibiting TAK1 can both reduce lymphoma growth and reduce inflammatory processes in the brain. The next phase involves testing the safety and efficacy profiles of this new therapeutic approach in controlled clinical trials. These interdisciplinary advances are part of the BMBF's overall strategy to advance cancer research in Germany.

A look into the future shows that recent developments in the field of immunotherapies and in particular CAR T-cell therapy can make significant progress in the treatment of cancer patients, which could also pave the way to more effective and less burdensome therapies.