Autologous cell therapy

Autologous cell therapy is a therapeutic approach using a patient's own cells, such as lymphocytes or stem/progenitor cells, which are collected, often genetically modified, and re-infused (NCI, 2023). This modality does not target a single molecule but employs the complex biological functions of entire cells to achieve clinical outcomes, such as the targeted destruction of malignant cells or the regeneration of damaged tissues (NIH, 2022). Common examples include CAR T-cell therapies like Tisagenlecleucel and Axicabtagene ciloleucel, which are FDA-approved for various hematologic malignancies (FDA, 2021). In regenerative medicine, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplants are used to restore bone marrow function after intensive therapy for cancers or autoimmune diseases (StatPearls, 2023). While highly effective, these therapies carry risks of severe systemic reactions, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity (PubMed, 2020). Because these therapies are derived from the patient's own body, they minimize the risk of immunological rejection compared to allogeneic treatments, though they present significant manufacturing and logistical challenges. Overall, autologous cell therapy represents a paradigm shift in medicine, offering personalized and potentially curative options for previously refractory diseases.

Other names

Autologous lymphocytesAutologous stem cellsAutologous progenitor cellsAdoptive cell transferCell-based therapy

Therapeutic effect is achieved through the administration of live, functional autologous cells that engraft and perform complex biological tasks, such as antigen-specific cytotoxicity or hematopoietic reconstitution.