CAR-T therapy targets for ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the leading malignant diseases of the female reproductive system. The absence of early symptoms and effective screening methods results in approximately 70% of cases being diagnosed at advanced stages (III or IV). OC is characterized by a high recurrence rate and low survival rates. Despite a number of therapeutic advances for this condition, overall survival remains unsatisfactory, necessitating further research and innovative strategies. Today, immunotherapy has emerged as a revolutionary approach in treating various cancers; for OC, immunotherapy holds significant potential, with numerous ongoing studies exploring suitable methods, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., antibodies targeting PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4), chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, and anticancer vaccines. Many early-phase clinical trials are investigating CAR-T cells targeting specific antigens expressed by tumor cells. This review examines potential targets for CAR-T cell therapy in ovarian cancer, including claudin-6 (CLDN6), protein tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK7), MUC16 (CA125), mesothelin, and the folate receptor alpha. It also discusses challenges related to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and antigenic heterogeneity, along with strategies to overcome them to enhance the efficacy of CAR-T therapy for solid tumors.