The promise of TIL therapy for glioblastoma.

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy has demonstrated efficacy in refractory melanoma and durable responses in lung cancer. Glioblastoma presents distinct challenges for immunotherapy, including profound tumor heterogeneity, low T cell infiltration, and an immunosuppressive microenvironment, but these same features highlight the unique rationale for TILs. Unlike monoclonal engineered approaches, TILs retain natural polyclonality, enabling recognition of a diverse set of tumor-associated antigens and potential adaptation to the evolving antigenic landscape. Preliminary studies have already shown that tumor-reactive TILs can be successfully isolated and expanded from glioblastoma specimens, providing feasibility for clinical translation. This review discusses the current landscape of TIL therapy in glioblastoma, highlights recent advancements, and discusses future directions and clinical translation to position TIL therapy as a promising and adaptable cellular immunotherapy for one of the most treatment-resistant human cancers.

Duke Scholars

Author Mustafa Khasraw Neurosurgery

Author Beth H. Shaz Pathology

Author Jose Ramon Conejo-Garcia Integrative Immunobiology

Author John Wirthlin Hickey Biomedical Engineering