CAR-T/NK/M-based combination therapies in cancer: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, in combination with other treatments or medications, presents a groundbreaking development in cancer immunotherapy. CAR-T immunotherapy has shown remarkable progress, with multiple therapies approved by the US FDA for hematological malignancies. Studies indicate that CAR-NK and CAR-M therapies are more effective against solid tumors than CAR-T-based therapy. The synergistic potential of combining CAR-based therapies with immunomodulatory agents, cytokines, oncolytic viruses, and immune checkpoint inhibitors presents a promising strategy for treating various cancers. This comprehensive review examines the current status and application of CAR-T, CAR-NK, and CAR-M therapies, particularly their integration with immunomodulatory agents and other molecules for treating solid tumors, including glioblastoma, pancreatic, gastric, liver, ovarian, lung, and breast cancers. © 2026 Elsevier Inc.