The ABC's of Oncology: Looking Beyond Alpha-Beta Cells for Cell Therapies

Cell therapies for cancer, particularly chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified αβ T cells, have rapidly proven their utility. However, as limitations of these therapies have become clearer, interest in alternative approaches has grown. A second generation of companies built on several scientific discoveries is advancing cell therapies of the innate immune system (such as γδ T and NK cells) to address the limitations of CAR T-cell therapies. With established investor interest, the potential of these approaches to impact the standard of care has become clear. The translatability of next-generation cell therapies will rely on developing a strategy to achieve proof-of-concept and optimal clinical positioning, which may lead to improved patient outcomes, broader interest in the biopharmaceutical community, and returns for investors.