First CAR T-Cell Therapy Approved for Solid Tumors
China has approved satricabtagene autoleucel (satri-cel), the first CAR T-cell therapy for solid tumors, for patients with claudin 18.2-positive, HER2-negative gastric or gastro-esophageal junction cancer. The approval is based on a phase II trial showing improved progression-free and overall survival. Scientists welcome the decision but say more research is needed to improve CAR T-cell effectiveness against solid tumors.
Why it matters: First regulatory approval of a CAR T-cell therapy for a solid tumor indication.