CAR-T cells in colorectal cancer: the challenge of solid tumors

By Ana Espino | Published on March 18, 2026 | 3 min read


Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies, metastatic CRC continues to carry a poor prognosis. Therapeutic options remain limited after failure of standard treatment lines.  

Immunotherapy has transformed the management of certain hematologic malignancies, particularly through CAR-T cells. However, their efficacy in solid tumors, including CRC, remains limited by several major barriers: an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, antigen heterogeneity, stromal barriers, and the risk of “on-target, off-tumor” toxicity.  

This review, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (2025), analyzes emerging antigen targets, recent clinical trial results, and innovative strategies aimed at optimizing CAR-T efficacy in CRC.