Can Ageing Decrease the Effectiveness of CAR-T Cell Therapy?
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Synopsis
A groundbreaking study reveals how age-related immune decline impacts CAR-T cell therapy efficacy, one of cancer treatment's most advanced forms. Swiss researchers discovered that older patients' CAR-T cells exhibit reduced functions but can be rejuvenated, highlighting the need for age-aware cancer treatment strategies. This could change the future of personalized immunotherapy.
Key Takeaways
- Age affects immune system function and CAR-T cell efficacy.
- CAR-T cells from older patients show reduced antitumor activity.
- Restoring NAD levels can rejuvenate aged CAR-T cells.
- Age should be considered in cancer therapy development.
- The study highlights the importance of personalized immunotherapy.
New Delhi, May 21 (NationPress) A study reveals that the decline in the immune system due to age can significantly affect the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy, one of the most sophisticated cancer immunotherapy methods. CAR-T therapy functions by modifying a patient's T cells to identify and eliminate cancer cells.
Research conducted by Swiss scientists indicated that CAR-T cells derived from older mice exhibited diminished mitochondrial performance, reduced "stemness," and lowered antitumor capabilities.
This decline is attributed to decreased levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)—a vital molecule for cellular energy and mitochondrial metabolism, according to the team from the University of Lausanne (UNIL), the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), and the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL).
Dr. Helen Carrasco Hope stated, "CAR-T cells from older subjects are metabolically compromised and considerably less potent. The exciting part is that we managed to rejuvenate these aged cells by replenishing their NAD levels—reviving their antitumor functions in preclinical models."
"Our results bolster the increasing acknowledgment that ageing fundamentally alters immune cell functionality and metabolism.
"They underscore the pressing necessity to accurately model age in preclinical studies so that therapies are designed with the actual cancer demographic in mind—where the majority of patients are senior adults," Hope emphasized.
Published in the journal Nature Cancer, the research team employed NAD-enhancing compounds currently being evaluated for other conditions, showcasing that this strategy is translatable and potentially applicable to humans.
Dr. Nicola Vannini, the senior author, remarked, "This is a significant advancement toward personalized and age-aware immunotherapy."
"By addressing age-related metabolic issues, we could enhance outcomes for a substantial portion of cancer patients."
The study contributes to a growing body of evidence indicating that age is not merely a chronological figure, but a biological element that can influence therapy response.
The researchers urged for age to be systematically integrated into the development and assessment of cell-based immunotherapies.
Point of View
We recognize the importance of studies like this one, which highlight the biological realities of ageing and their impact on cancer therapies. This research not only demonstrates the need for a more nuanced approach to treatment but also encourages us to consider the ageing population in medical research and therapy development. As the number of older adults with cancer continues to rise, adapting treatments to meet their unique needs is paramount.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CAR-T cell therapy?
CAR-T cell therapy is an advanced form of cancer treatment that modifies a patient's T cells to better identify and destroy cancer cells.
How does ageing affect CAR-T therapy?
Ageing can lead to a decline in immune function, resulting in CAR-T cells from older patients being less effective against cancer.
What role does NAD play in CAR-T therapy?
NAD is crucial for cellular energy and metabolism. Lower levels in older CAR-T cells impair their function.
Can aged CAR-T cells be restored?
Yes, researchers have found that restoring NAD levels in aged CAR-T cells can rejuvenate their antitumor functions.
What are the implications of this study?
The study emphasizes the need for age-aware approaches in cancer therapies, ensuring that treatments are effective for older populations.
