A revolution in the immunotherapy field for treating Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (LLA) was the development of genetically modified T cells expressing chimeric antigenic receptors (CAR) against cancer targets.

However, despite the effectiveness of CAR-T cells in treating LLA, these cells have been associated with a safety profile not yet optimal; for example, severe toxicity has been reported in some patients who have received CAR-T cell therapy. Also, in the context of other malignant hematological diseases (such as Acute Myeloid Leukemia, AML) and solid tumours, the approach effectiveness was limited.

As a result, the CAR-T research project, promoted by the Ministry of Health and developed under the aegis of the Alliance Against Cancer (ACC), aims to enhance CAR- T cell therapy efficacy by creating a synergistic network that combines the expertise of the different institutions. The project is arranged into six different Work Packages (WP), each with well-defined objectives.