The present disclosure relates to chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) containing CD33 antigen binding domains, including nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, antigen binding fragments, and pharmaceutical compositions. Methods of treating or preventing cancer in a subject, and methods of making chimeric antigen receptor T cells are also disclosed. Experimental results are provided for 7 different CD33 external domains coupled a transmembrane domain derived from the human CD8 protein, a 4-IBB costimulatory domain and a CD3 zeta signalling domain