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inhibitors is an active area of research. A combination of these approaches can potentially overcome
immune evasion mechanisms and boost the overall effectiveness of treatment. Preliminary studies
combining CAR T cells with checkpoint inhibitors can lead to improved clinical outcomes by enhancing T
[63]
cell activity and prolonging their persistence in the tumor . Streamlining regulatory processes to accelerate
the development and approval of these therapies will ensure that patient safety is a priority. Regulatory
agencies are exploring adaptive pathways and real-world evidence to expedite the approval process for
promising therapies . Ethically, there will be a need for ongoing discussions about equitable access to these
[57]
advanced therapies. It is crucial to address health disparities and ensure that all patients, regardless of
socioeconomic status, have access to these potentially life-saving treatments . International collaboration
[56]
and knowledge sharing are essential to advance gene and cell therapies for prostate cancer.

Collaborative efforts among academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory agencies can
help standardize protocols, share data, and accelerate the development and dissemination of these therapies.
More so, global initiatives and consortia focused on prostate cancer research and therapy development are
likely to play a significant role in shaping the future landscape of treatment .
[49]
FUTURE PROSPECTS AND RESEARCH DIRECTIONS
The future of gene and cell therapies for prostate cancer appears promising, with ongoing research and
technological advancements paving the way for more effective and personalized treatments. Continued
development in next-generation CAR T cells, advanced gene delivery systems, and combination therapies is
expected to enhance treatment outcomes and overcome current limitations. Therefore, addressing cost and
accessibility issues, along with regulatory and ethical challenges, will be essential for translating these
advancements into widespread clinical practice. Future research should focus on expanding clinical trials to
include diverse patient populations and assessing long-term outcomes, as well as investigating the
mechanisms of resistance and tumor heterogeneity to refine therapeutic approaches and technological
innovation involved in the development and validation of new technologies for gene and cell therapy
delivery. Health policies aim to ensure that advancements in gene and cell therapies are accessible to all
patients, irrespective of socioeconomic status.

CONCLUSION
Gene and cell therapies represent a transformative shift in the treatment landscape for prostate cancer in
Africa medical landscape, offering new hope for patients with advanced or refractory disease. This
comprehensive review has explored the current state of these therapies, highlighting their potential benefits,
emerging advancements, and ongoing challenges. Viral vector-mediated delivery of therapeutic genes and
CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing have shown potential in targeting specific genetic mutations and enhancing the
expression of tumor suppressor genes. CAR T cell therapy has demonstrated significant efficacy in targeting
prostate cancer cells, although challenges related to safety and delivery remain. Innovations such as dual-
targeted CAR T cells and ARM-CAR T cells aimed at improving efficacy and safety. Advances in
nanoparticle-based and non-viral delivery systems hold promise for enhancing targeted delivery and
reducing off-target effects. New approaches in epigenetic therapies also offer the potential for reversing
aberrant gene expression associated with prostate cancer. Combination therapies such as oncolytic viruses
and immunotherapies could enhance overall treatment efficacy. Addressing regulatory hurdles, ensuring
equitable access, and navigating ethical issues are crucial for advancing these therapies.

DECLARATIONS
Authors’ contributions
Conceptualization, writing and editing, correspondence: Oboma YI