Core Viewpoint - CAR-M therapy, a novel cancer immunotherapy utilizing chimeric antigen receptor macrophages, shows promise in targeting solid tumors while minimizing side effects compared to CAR-T therapy [1][2][3]. Group 1: CAR-M Therapy Overview - CAR-M therapy involves extracting macrophages from patients, equipping them with chimeric antigen receptors in the lab, and reintroducing them to the patient to target tumor cells [2]. - This therapy not only improves the tumor microenvironment but also enhances the immune response by presenting processed tumor antigens to T cells and releasing cytokines [2][3]. Group 2: Advantages and Mechanisms - CAR-M therapy offers several advantages, including precise targeting of tumor cells and a lower risk of severe cytokine release syndrome, leading to higher safety [2]. - Unlike CAR-T therapy, which relies on cytotoxic effects, CAR-M therapy "eats" tumor cells by infiltrating solid tumor tissues [3]. Group 3: Research and Development Challenges - Despite its advantages, CAR-M therapy faces challenges such as difficulties in obtaining and culturing macrophages, high costs, and uncertainties regarding the survival time of these cells in tumor tissues [4]. - Ongoing research is focused on improving chimeric antigen receptor design, expanding cell sources, and enhancing cell functions through gene editing [4][5]. Group 4: Clinical Trials and Results - Initial clinical trials of CAR-M therapy have shown promising results, with no severe cytokine release syndrome reported among 14 patients, and some patients experiencing stable disease and increased T cell counts [5][6]. Group 5: Future Directions and Collaborations - The integration of CAR-M therapy with existing treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors is seen as crucial for enhancing its clinical application [6]. - Future research will focus on understanding the interactions between CAR-M cells and other immune cells, developing effective immune-stimulating environments, and establishing biomarker systems for real-time efficacy assessment [7].