Open Access

REVIEW

Emerging Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Immune Cell Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer: Mechanisms, Clinical Advances, and Future Perspectives

Shuo Wang, Miao Wang, Wei Yao^*

Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, San Hao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, China

* Corresponding Author: Wei Yao. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advancing Cellular Therapeutics in Oncology: Innovations, Challenges, and Clinical Translation)

Oncology Research 2026, 34(4), 10 https://doi.org/10.32604/or.2025.073554

Received 20 September 2025; Accepted 04 November 2025; Issue published 23 March 2026

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most lethal malignancies, characterized by a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), dense stromal architecture, and limited response to conventional therapies. This review comprehensively examines the emerging role of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered immune cells, including chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T), CAR-macrophages (CAR-M), and CAR-natural killer (CAR-NK) cells, as innovative immunotherapeutic strategies for PDAC. We delve into the mechanistic foundations of these platforms, highlighting their unique abilities to target tumor-associated antigens, overcome stromal barriers, and remodel the immunosuppressive TME. Recent preclinical and clinical advances demonstrate promising antitumor activity, particularly with targets such as mesothelin, claudin18.2, and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2), though challenges related to antigen heterogeneity, TME suppression, and cell persistence remain. We further discuss synergistic approaches involving genetic engineering, microenvironment modulation, and combination therapies aimed at enhancing efficacy. Finally, we offer perspectives on the future direction of CAR-based therapies, including the development of next-generation constructs, allogeneic “off-the-shelf” products, and personalized combination regimens, underscoring their potential in pancreatic cancer.

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Keywords

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