Unique barriers to treatment with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells prevent many patients with cancer from benefitting from these potentially lifesaving therapies. Here I explore the complex matrix of logistical red tape and financial obstacles that block the road to broader clinical adoption of CAR-T cell therapy, both in the USA and globally, and propose new routes to improve timely and equitable access to treatment.
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Acknowledgements
I acknowledge the many patients, researchers, and organizations globally who have sought greater access to CAR-T cell therapy, and thank C. Gillespie for scientific editing and D. Kentell for graphical assistance. R.H.R. receives current research funding support from the NIH, LLS and Alex’s Lemonade Stand.
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R.H.R. is a member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society board of directors and previous member of the National Marrow Donor Program Board and American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy board of directors.
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Rouce, R.H. Clearing the hurdles for CAR-T cell treatment. Nat Rev Immunol (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41577-025-01228-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41577-025-01228-4
