City of Hope Develops Adaptable ‘Plug-and-Play’ CAR T Technology — City of Hope

Event summary

City of Hope researchers developed a 'plug-and-play' CAR T technology that allows post-treatment modifications to adapt to evolving tumors.
The study, published in *Cancer Immunology Research* on September 22, 2026, introduces meCAR T cells, which can be updated with new capabilities after infusion.
The technology leverages meditope, a molecular docking system, to add new functions to CAR T cells, improving their ability to target mutating cancers.
City of Hope plans to initiate two Phase I clinical trials to evaluate the safety and activity of meCAR T cells in treating solid tumors and acute myeloid leukemia.

The big picture

City of Hope's 'plug-and-play' CAR T technology addresses a critical limitation in current immunotherapies: their inability to adapt to tumor evolution. This innovation could extend the efficacy of CAR T treatments, particularly in aggressive cancers where resistance develops rapidly. The shift toward modular, updatable therapies aligns with broader industry trends toward personalized and adaptive cancer treatments.

What we're watching

Clinical Translation: The pace at which City of Hope advances meCAR T cells from preclinical studies to Phase I clinical trials will determine the technology's near-term viability.
Market Differentiation: Whether City of Hope can position meCAR T as a superior alternative to existing CAR T therapies, particularly in treating solid tumors and acute myeloid leukemia.
Commercialization Strategy: How City of Hope plans to monetize the meditope technology, given its equity and royalty interests in Meditope Biosciences Inc.