CAR T-Cell Therapy: Revolutionizing Cancer Care

What is CAR T-Cell Therapy?

Customized Treatment: CAR T-cell therapy is a pioneering immunotherapy that reprograms a patient's T-cells, a vital component of the immune system, to detect and combat cancer cells. This process involves genetically altering the T-cells to generate specialized structures known as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on their surface.

Targeted Action: After reintroducing these CAR T-cells into the patient's bloodstream, they can effectively attach to specific antigens present on cancer cell surfaces, leading to their destruction. This targeted approach allows for a highly specific treatment tailored to the cancer type based on the targeted antigens.

Process of CAR T-Cell Therapy

• Collection: T-cells are harvested from the patient's blood using a method akin to dialysis.
• Modification: The collected cells are sent to a laboratory where they undergo genetic engineering to express CARs that specifically target cancer cells.
• Expansion: The modified T-cells are cultivated in the lab until their numbers reach millions.
• Infusion: Finally, these CAR T-cells are reinfused into the patient, initiating the attack on cancer cells.

Benefits of CAR T-Cell Therapy

• Potentially Curative: CAR T-cell therapy has the potential to induce long-term remission or even a cure for certain cancers, especially blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.
• One-time Treatment: Often, a single infusion of CAR T-cells can continue to proliferate within the body, providing an ongoing defense against cancer.

Challenges and Side Effects

• Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): As CAR T-cells eliminate cancer cells, they release cytokines, which can result in symptoms ranging from mild fever and fatigue to severe, life-threatening conditions.
• Neurotoxicity: Some patients may experience temporary neurological side effects, such as confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

Significance of NexCAR19

Cost-Effectiveness: NexCAR19, developed by IIT Bombay and the Tata Memorial Centre, represents India's first indigenously-developed CAR T-cell therapy, priced at approximately one-tenth of similar treatments available globally.

Accessibility: This significant cost reduction enhances the treatment's accessibility to a broader segment of the population, not just in India but potentially in other developing nations as well. The launch of NexCAR19 not only signifies a monumental scientific advancement but also showcases the potential of national initiatives like 'Make in India' in driving global healthcare innovations.