Table 1 Comparison of the main characteristics of CAR-T cells and BiTEs
From: CAR-T cells and BiTEs in solid tumors: challenges and perspectives
| CAR-T cells | BiTEs | |
|---|---|---|
| Effector cell | Ex vivo engineered T cells | Unmanipulated T cells |
| Personalized | Yes (at least for autologous CAR-T cells) | No |
| Availability | Delayed (weeks, for autologous CAR-T cells) | Immediate (“off-the-shelf”) |
| Logistics |
+ + + (leukapheresis, transportation, genetic engineering, conservation…) | + |
| Half-life | Long (weeks-months) | Short |
| Dosing | Single infusion (“one shot”) | Repeat dosing |
| Efficacy | Long-lasting (immunological memory) | Suspensive |
| Administration | Requires lymphodepleting chemotherapy prior to CAR-T infusion | Requires multiple injections or continuous infusion over several months |
| Chronic toxicity | Possible | No |
| Cost | + + + | + + |