Targeting the CA19-9 Glycan: A Promising CAR T Cell Therapy for Pancreatic and Gastrointestinal Cancers

Highlight

• Identification of an optimal CA19-9-specific CAR T construct with robust expansion and cytotoxicity against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
• Sustained and selective killing of CA19-9-positive tumor cells demonstrated in vitro, in patient-derived organoids, and multiple in vivo models.
• Proof of efficacy in immunocompetent murine PDAC models including primary and metastatic disease.
• Demonstrated anti-tumor activity extends beyond PDAC to include CA19-9-expressing gastrointestinal malignancies such as colon, stomach, esophageal, and biliary tract cancers.

Study Background and Clinical Context