Researchers and companies presented advances in allogeneic CAR T approaches designed to reduce off‑target CRISPR risks (CRAFT CAR T) and to extend CAR T therapy into central nervous system (CNS) tumors. The CRAFT approach uses CRISPR with modifications intended to minimize off‑target editing, enabling safer production of universal donor cells. Separately, work on CAR T strategies tailored to CNS tumors highlighted antigen selection, trafficking and microenvironment challenges and proposed solutions to improve delivery and persistence in the brain. Both strands emphasize manufacturing controls, safety switches and novel constructs to broaden indications beyond hematologic malignancies. These developments reflect the field’s push to industrialize allogeneic CAR T manufacturing and to overcome biological barriers for solid‑tumor and CNS indications.