CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T) cell therapy, a groundbreaking cancer treatment developed by ImmunoACT, a spin-off company of IIT-Bombay, has received market authorization from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).
- This significant milestone clears the path for its commercial introduction in the country.
- NexCAR19, a groundbreaking therapy, has recently gained approval for the treatment of relapsed-refractory B-cell lymphoma and leukemia.
- The breakthrough will bring hope to numerous blood cancer and lymphoma patients in the country who are unable to afford overseas travel for state-of-the-art therapy.
- This advanced form of immunotherapy, initially introduced in the US in 2017, is now within reach for those in need.
What Is CAR-T Cell Therapy?
- CAR-T cell therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses a patient’s own immune cells, specifically T-cells.
- These T-cells are engineered in a lab to become Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cells, capable of fighting cancer.
- The therapy involves drawing blood from the patient, modifying the T-cells, and then re-injecting them back into the patient.
- The engineered cells can now find and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
- Current evidence shows that CAR-T cell therapy is especially effective for blood cancer and lymphoma.
- Research is being conducted to explore its potential in treating solid tumors and auto-immune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis.
- At present, CAR-T cell therapy is primarily used as a second-line treatment for late-stage leukemia and lymphoma. It is used when patients do not respond to conventional treatments like chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant, or suffer from relapsed cancer.
How Does The Immune System Fight Cancer?
- The immune system uses a complex system of cells, organs, and proteins to battle cancer.
- Cancer cells often bypass the immune system’s natural defenses, allowing them to multiply.
- Different immunotherapies function in various ways. Some slow or stop cancer cells’ growth, while others help destroy cancer cells or prevent spreading.
- There are several types of immunotherapy:
- Monoclonal antibodies and immune checkpoint inhibitors
- Non-specific immunotherapies
- Oncolytic virus therapy
- T-cell therapy
- Cancer vaccines