Do you know the first line of defence against abnormal cells? It is our immune system. However, cancer cells use various mechanisms to mask themselves against our immune system and grow continuously. So, can re-engineering the immune system help it fight against cancer?
CAR T-cell therapy, or cellular therapy, is a unique treatment approach wherein the T-cells are collected from the patient’s body, re-engineered to identify and attack cancer cells, and infused back into the patient’s body. In other words, the genetic expression of the T-cells is altered to make them potent against cancer cells.
These modified T-cells, which are referred to as chimeric antigen receptor T-cells, or simply CAR T-cells, will have unique receptors that will identify specific antigens (a unique protein molecule) present on the surface of cancer cells and bind to them. By binding to cancer cells, CAR T-cells damage them and control tumor growth.
The entire CAR T-cell therapy may take about 60 days. CAR T-cell therapies are primarily recommended for advanced-stage and recurrent blood cancers, and are now being explored in front line.
Through leukapheresis, the patient’s T-cells are collected. Two IV lines are used during this procedure. From one IV line, the blood is drawn, which is then directed to the leukapheresis machine to separate the white blood cells from the blood. The remaining blood components are sent back to the patient’s body through the second IV line.
From the white blood cells collected, the T-cells are separated and sent to a laboratory. A specific chimeric antigen receptor, which is synthetically designed to bind to specific proteins present on the surface of cancer cells, is added to T-cells to obtain CAR T-cells. These CAR T-cells are grown in the laboratory for 3 weeks to obtain the appropriate number required for therapy.
The procedure of isolation and re-infusion of lymphocytes is termed adoptive cell transfer. Before infusing the CAR T-cells back into the patient's circulation, they may be given chemotherapy to lower the count of other immune cells. It will improve the working of CAR T-cells against cancer cells.
Once inside the body, CAR T-cells multiply. Once the number of CAR T-cells increases, they start targeting cancer cells and bind to them to cause their destruction. Since it is the patient’s own T-cells side effects are also not so severe.
This is because the protein receptor present on CAR T-cells is designed to identify the protein molecules (antigens) present on the surface of cancer cells only. In other words, CAR T-cell therapy attacks only cancer cells, while sparing healthy cells.
CAR T-cell therapy exhibits anti-tumor activity as it identifies and attacks cancer cells, which in turn controls cancer growth. The anti-tumor properties of CAR T-cell therapy make it a reliable treatment option for certain blood cancers.
Studies suggest that CAR T-cells can last for months to years inside the body. This is one of the important advantages of CAR T-cell therapy, as it may help patients achieve long-term remissions and reduce the risk of recurrences.
Due to its ability to identify and attack only cancer cells, CAR T-cell therapy can be an effective treatment approach for certain cases of blood cancer. Since it is the patient’s T-cells that are re-engineered, one may not experience significant side effects.
CAR T-cell therapy is administered in a single infusion, unlike chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which require multiple cycles or sessions for cancer control. Also, CAR T-cells remain in the body for a long time, helping patients reduce their relapse risk.
Multiple studies have reported on the safety and efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy. Several studies have also reported on the long-term benefits of the treatment in patients with first-time and relapsed cases of blood cancers.
Available in India and @ FMRI , Gurugram
As one of the very few cancer hospitals in India with CAR T-cell therapy facilities, Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon boasts a team of extensively trained and experienced hemato oncologists, specializing in CAR T-cell therapy administration for different types of blood cancers.
Principal Director & Chief – Hematology, Haemto- oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant
MBBS, MD (Medicine), DM (Clinical Haematology)
Principal Director & Head - Pediatric Haematology , Haemto – Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant
MBBS, MD (Paediatrics ) , FNB (Paediatric Haematology Oncology)
Paediatric Haematology, Haemato Oncology & BOne Marrow Transplant
MBBS,MD, FNB
Associate Consultant Hemato - Oncology & BMT
Hematologist
Senior Consultant - Infectious Diseases
MBBS, MD, DM (Infectious Diseases, AIIMS, New Delhi)
CAR T-cell therapy is a treatment that uses your body’s own immune cells to fight cancer. It may be available if you have certain types of blood cancer, such as leukaemia or lymphoma, and previous treatments haven’t worked.
CAR T-cell therapy is not for everyone. Here's when it might be offered:
You may be offered CAR T-cell therapy if:
Every person is unique, and not everyone with these cancers will be eligible. Your case will be reviewed by a team of experts called the National CAR T Clinical Panel (NCCP).
This team includes specialist doctors and patient advocates who carefully look at your:
Their goal is to make sure CAR T-cell therapy is the right and safe option for you.
Book an appointment online or video consultation with one of Fortis memorial research institute hematology/oncology specialists, such as Dr. Rahul Bhargava
Express your interest in CAR T-cell therapy and request evaluation.
Be transparent about your medical history, current medications, and any health concerns. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a form of blood cancer that has relapsed or not responded to traditional treatment. At Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
The CAR T-cells remain in the system for months or years in many patients. However, the treatment can be safely repeated if the CAR T-cells are rapidly lost from the system.
The infusion of CAR T-cells can take up to 60 minutes. The entire procedure of CAR T-cell therapy may, however, take 4-6 hours.
The success rate of CAR T technology depends upon several factors, such as the type of cancer and the overall health of the patients. For instance, studies have shown that the complete response rate with CAR T-cell therapy was 71–81% in patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
The recovery after CAR T-cell therapy depends on several factors, such as the type of cancer treated with CAR T-cell therapy, its stage, the patient’s age, the health condition of the patient, and the treatment response. In general, patients undergoing CAR T-cell may recover within 1-2 months.
CAR T-cell therapy has a targeted approach and is associated with fewer side effects. In most cases, the side effects caused by CAR T-cell therapy can be managed effectively. CAR T-cell therapy may cause cytokine release syndrome, problems associated with the nervous system, compromised immune systems, fluctuations in mineral levels, and certain allergic reactions.
Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon has made CAR T-cell therapy facilities available at its Bangalore and Kolkata units. To get in touch with CAR T-cell therapy specialists and learn more about this treatment, you may fill out the registration form available on this page. Soon after, one of our care officers will get in touch with you for assistance.
Book an appointment with our expert hematologists to discuss Car T-Cell options. Our specialized team at Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon provides personalized care to help you understand the best treatment plan for your condition.
Address: Millennium City Centre (HUDA City Centre), Gurugram
Phone: +91-9013217313
bmt1.fmri@fortishealthcare.com
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