CAR T cell therapy, a type of immunotherapy, is paving the way for more effective and advanced cancer treatment options. A game-changer for those battling leukemia, lymphoma, and other B-cell malignancies, offering hope where traditional treatments have often failed. Currently, CAR T cell therapy is available in limited countries, including India.
A seminar hosted by Artemis Hospital in Gurugram, India, provided deep insights into this therapy’s potential and current status. Dr. Sukriti Gupta, a consultant, and Dr. Gaurav Dixit, a unit head of hemato-oncology, led the seminar, shedding light on how CAR T cell therapy is reshaping cancer treatment and providing solutions for patients worldwide.
Key Takeaways from the Seminar
About NexCAR19
Actalycabtagene autoleucel (NexCAR19) is an innovative CAR T cell therapy designed in India to treat certain types of blood cancer, specifically targeting relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and B-cell lymphoma. Dr. Gupta explained that the patient’s T cells are modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that will target cancerous cells.
Treatment Process of NexCAR19
Dr. Gaurav Dixit further elaborated on the complete treatment process. The process begins with the collection of the blood from the patient, then followed by the extraction of the T cells and later genetically modified. These modified T cells are then infused back into the patient’s body to target and kill the cancer cells to improve the treatment’s outcome.
Step-by-Step Process
- Collection of T cells from blood sample
- Engineering of T-cells (Lab)
- Production of CAR T cells
- Infusion of CAR T cells
- Recognition and killing of T cells
- Proliferation and persistence of CAR T cells therapy
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Long-term memory
Benefits and Challenges of NexCAR19
One of the major benefits of this therapy is its potential to provide long-term remission from aggressive cancerous conditions. Apart from its benefits, it does have some challenges. Dr. Dixit also explained about potential side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which is a temporary condition where the body’s immune system reacts strongly to the infused T cells. Later, he also added that with proper treatment and guidance, there will be no such conditions you need to face.
Furthermore, he also mentioned that the cost and availability of CAR T therapy can be a barrier for many patients, though advancements are being made to make it more accessible.
Affordable CAR T Cell Therapy in India
A key point that both Dr. Gaurav Dixit and Dr. Sukriti Gupta accentuated about the availability of CAR T cell therapy in India at an affordable cost, i.e., about ¼ fraction lower than in Western countries. India is becoming a hub for advanced and affordable cancer treatment, which makes it an attractive option for patients.
Ongoing Research and Future Outlook
Both doctors also discussed ongoing research in CAR T cell therapy, including studies to improve treatment efficiency and expand its use to other cancers, such as solid tumours. As the therapy continues to evolve, more effective and targeted treatments are expected to emerge, offering new hope to patients worldwide.
Conclusion
The seminar on CAR T cell therapy, led by Dr. Gaurav Dixit and Dr. Sukriti Gupta, gave future insights into cancer treatment. It emphasized the significant role of CAR T cell therapy in treating blood cancers and how it is changing the way of approaching cancer treatment. With its targeting actions, effective results, availability, and affordability in countries like India, CAR T cell therapy is a beacon of hope for cancer patients.
The affordable cost of CAR T cell therapy in India is making it an attractive treatment option for those in need, while ongoing research continues to enhance its effectiveness.
A heartfelt thank you to Artemis Hospital for inviting the Medsurge India team to attend this insightful seminar.
