What is the Role of Histology in CAR T Cell Therapy?

Histology plays a crucial role in several stages of CAR T cell therapy:

- Tumor Characterization: Before therapy, histological examination of the tumor is essential to identify target antigens that the CAR T cells can recognize. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) can be employed to detect specific tumor markers.
- Monitoring Response: Post-therapy, histological analysis of biopsy samples helps in assessing the efficacy of the treatment. Pathologists look for signs of tumor cell death and infiltration of CAR T cells.
- Identifying Side Effects: Histology can help identify potential side effects, such as inflammation or cytokine release syndrome (CRS), by examining affected tissues.