ISCT 2026: CAR-T Scientific Signature Series Event

The inaugural CAR T Scientific Signature Series event will explore the expansion of CAR T cell clinical applications beyond hematologic cancers. Global experts from academia, clinical centers, regulatory agencies, and industry will discuss emerging applications in autoimmune diseases, fibrosis, atherosclerosis, and neurological disorders, and address the development of in vivo CAR T technologies.

The program will balance disease-focused sessions with broader discussions on translation, including clinical trial design for novel indications, patient pathways, regional regulatory expectations (e.g., FDA vs. EMA), and evolving reimbursement challenges. Leveraging the collective expertise of participants, the series will outline a forward-looking roadmap to support regulatory progress and wider clinical adoption of CAR T-cell therapies across new disease areas.

Add-on to ISCT 2026 Registration

Attendance at the CAR-T Scientific Signature Series requires registration for the ISCT 2026 Annual Meeting.

Add-on pricing (plus 23% VAT):
Academia / Clinician / Government / Non-profit — €50 + VAT
Industry / Other — €100 + VAT

Available only as an add-on with ISCT 2026 registration (no stand-alone option).

Already registered? If you have already completed your ISCT 2026 registration and would like to add this Scientific Signature Series event, please contact meeting@isctglobal.org for assistance.

Scientific Signature Series Event Co-Chairs

Dominique Farge

MD, PhD

St Louis Hospital Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris;
Paris-Cité University

France

Bruce Levine

PhD

University of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania, United States

What You Will Learn

Explain the importance of immune monitoring in optimizing clinical outcomes and supporting treatment decisions
Identify and interpret biomarkers to track immune responses and predict patient outcomes
Evaluate strategies to standardize immune monitoring workflows for improved consistency and data comparability across clinical sites, including flow cytometry and pharmacokinetic assays
Apply translational immunotechnology and best practices for implementing immune monitoring in research and process development
Select clinically relevant immune monitoring parameters for CAR-T and MSC therapies
Interpret multi-center data, understand sources of variability, and implement approaches for consistent results
Evaluate precision-enhancing assays and emerging technologies to support effective immune monitoring
Explore real-world examples to understand practical implementation and troubleshooting in immune monitoring

Exosomes Scientific Signature Series: Program Schedule

Saturday, May 9, 2026 • 09:00 AM - 15:45 PM

08:30–08:45 Opening Remarks

08:45–09:45 Session I
CAR T in Autoimmune Disease — Mechanisms, Immune Reset, and Patient Selection

This session will focus on the mechanistic foundations of CAR T cell therapy in autoimmune disease, emphasizing immune reset, durability of response despite short CAR T persistence, and insights gained from non-responders. Discussion will compare CD19-only, BCMA-only, and combinatorial CAR approaches, with an emphasis on conceptual understanding rather than disease-specific programs.

Key Learning Objectives:

1. Understand immune reconstitution and immune reset as drivers of durable response.

2. Evaluate differences and trade-offs among CAR T target strategies.

3. Identify lessons from non-responders to inform patient selection and future trial design.

09:45–10:00 Refreshments Break

10:00–11:00 Session II
Remodeling Tissue — CAR T for Fibrosis and Tumor Stroma

This session will examine CAR T approaches for fibrosis and tumor stroma remodeling, with a focus on preclinical data and emerging clinical signals. Discussion will address biological complexity, target selection, and therapeutic design, including permanent lentiviral versus transient mRNA CAR strategies.

Key Learning Objectives:

1. Assess the current state of CAR T strategies in fibrotic disease and tumor stroma.

2. Compare permanent versus repeat-dosing CAR approaches and their translational implications.

3. Identify key hurdles to clinical translation in largely preclinical indications.

11:00–11:45 End of Morning Session – Group Debrief & Debate

This facilitated discussion block will consolidate the morning’s insights on autoimmune, fibrosis, and neuro applications. Participants will summarize key takeaways, identify shared challenges across indications, and outline consensus recommendations to guide next steps and align afternoon sessions.

Discussion Prompts:

1. Which indications and targets are near-term versus longer-term opportunities?

2. What settings are most realistic for early clinical translation?

3. Where should investment and collaborative efforts be prioritized?

11:45–12:45 Lunch

12:45–13:45 Session III
In Vivo CAR T — Landscape, Scalability, and Cost Disruption

This session will provide a landscape overview of in vivo CAR T technologies, including gene delivery strategies, industry partnerships, and regulatory considerations. Discussion will highlight scalability and manufacturing implications, including the potential for 25–50× cost reductions compared with ex vivo approaches.

Key Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the current in vivo CAR T landscape and leading development strategies.

2. Evaluate cost, scalability, and access advantages relative to ex vivo CAR T.

3. Discuss regulatory and logistical implications of in vivo platforms.

13:45–14:45 Session IV
Local Production and Global Access — Regional Models, Regulation, and Economics

This session will explore regional CAR T manufacturing and access models, with focused case studies from Spain (Barcelona) and Brazil (São Paulo). Discussion will address regulatory readiness, economic sustainability, and how local production can support scalable patient access.

Key Learning Objectives:

1. Compare regional manufacturing and regulatory models for CAR T delivery.

2. Assess economic viability and infrastructure financing considerations.

3. Identify pathways to expand access in emerging and resource-variable settings.

14:45–15:30 End of Day - Debrief and Closing Remarks