Understanding pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is recognized as one of the most aggressive and lethal cancers, largely due to the fact that it tends to be diagnosed at a late stage. The pancreas, a vital organ situated behind the stomach, is responsible for the digestive process and the regulation of blood sugar. Pancreatic cancer tends to occur in the cells forming the lining of the pancreatic ducts and has a capacity to quickly metastasize to the surrounding organs as well as the distant sites of the body.
There are two primary forms of pancreatic cancer: exocrine tumors, which comprise approximately 90% of pancreatic cancer and include pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and endocrine tumors, which are uncommon and develop from hormone-secreting cells. During the initial stages, the symptoms go unnoticed; however, as the illness advances, patients develop jaundice, unintended weight loss, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, and weakness.
Although the precise etiology of pancreatic cancer remains unknown, risk factors involve smoking, pancreatitis, diabetes, obesity, and genetic predisposition. Due to the late diagnosis and the few available treatment options, pancreatic cancer has a low rate of survival. Nevertheless, the development of targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and CAR T-cell therapy is providing new avenues of hope for patients, particularly those with advanced disease. Early detection remains crucial for enhancing survival rates.
Understanding CAR T Cell therapy
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy has been a revolutionizing oncology treatment, offering new hope for patients with various malignancies, including pancreatic cancer. In China, significant advancements have been made in this area, and the nation has emerged as a leader in CAR T-cell therapy research and implementation.
CAR T-cell therapy involves reprogramming a patient’s T cells to introduce chimeric antigen receptors that can target and destroy cancer cells specifically. This patient-specific form of immunotherapy has been extremely effective in the treatment of some hematologic malignancies and is now under investigation for solid tumors, such as pancreatic cancer.
Advancements in CAR T-Cell Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer in China
Pancreatic cancer is known for its aggressive nature and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, thereby making treatment challenging. The efficacy of conventional treatments has been poor, and researchers have sought new approaches like CAR T-cell therapy.
In a rare case reported in 2024, a 72-year-old male patient with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was treated with claudin18.2-targeted CAR T-cell therapy after conventional treatments failed. The patient attained complete remission within a month after infusion and was in clinical remission for eight months before recurrence. The case illustrates the promising future of CAR T-cell therapy in the management of advanced pancreatic cancer.
Furthermore, the research team at Peking University Cancer Hospital, led by Professor Shen Lin, successfully carried out the first clinical trial of a new dual-targeted CAR T-cell therapy (KD-496) for pancreatic cancer. The therapeutic approach targets advanced NKG2DL+ and CLDN18.2+ solid tumors, opening new doors for treatment.
Cost of CAR T-Cell Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer in China
The price of CAR T-cell therapy in China is influenced by a number of determinants such as the kind of cancer, the treatment regimen’s complexity, and the nature of the chosen healthcare center. Typically, the prices vary from $50,000 to $150,000 USD. The price is relatively low compared to that found in Western nations, where prices are over $400,000 USD. The price for value as well as state-of-the-art medical technology and expertise makes China a favorable destination for patients to receive CAR T-cell therapy.
Top Hospitals for CAR T-Cell Therapy in China
Several hospitals in China are renowned for their expertise in CAR T-cell therapy:
- Peking University Cancer Hospital (Beijing): Known for its multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, this hospital has achieved excellent outcomes, particularly in treating relapsing blood cancers using CAR T-cell therapy.
- Beijing Gobroad Hospital (Beijing): Specializing in hematology, Gobroad group of hospitals provides cutting-edge treatments and has made significant breakthroughs in CAR T-cell therapy, treating numerous patients with advanced blood cancers.
Patient Experiences with CAR T-Cell Therapy in China
Patient stories highlight the transformative impact of CAR T-cell therapy:
- Erdenechimeg Nergui from Mongolia: After experiencing relapses following initial treatments for multiple myeloma, Erdenechimeg sought CAR T-cell therapy in China. Post-treatment, her indicators returned to normal, and she was able to return home in good health.
- Lyn from Singapore: Diagnosed with a rare type of lymphoma, Lyn underwent CAR T-cell therapy at Shanghai Jiahui International Hospital. Following the treatment, she achieved full recovery and celebrated by going on a diving trip, marking a significant milestone in her journey.
Conclusion
CAR T-cell therapy is a new developing area in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, especially when other treatments fail. China’s research in this area, with the added advantage of lower treatment costs and the best medical centers, gives hope to patients all over the world. With ongoing research, CAR T-cell therapy can be the new norm in the treatment of pancreatic cancer patients, opening new doors to successful treatment.
Dr. Nishant Mittal is a highly accomplished researcher with over 13 years of experience in the fields of cardiovascular biology and cancer research. His career is marked by significant contributions to stem cell biology, developmental biology, and innovative research techniques.
Research Highlights
Dr. Mittal's research has focused on several key areas:
1) Cardiovascular Development and Regeneration: He studied coronary vessel development and regeneration using zebrafish models1.
2) Cancer Biology: At Dartmouth College, he developed zebrafish models for studying tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution in pancreatic cancer.
3) Developmental Biology: His doctoral work at Keio University involved identifying and characterizing medaka fish mutants with cardiovascular defects.
4) Stem Cell Research: He investigated the effects of folic acid on mouse embryonic stem cells and worked on cryopreservation techniques for hematopoietic stem cells.
Publications and Presentations
Dr. Mittal has authored several peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals such as Scientific Reports, Cardiovascular Research, and Disease Models & Mechanisms1. He has also presented his research at numerous international conferences, including the Stanford-Weill Cornell Cardiovascular Research Symposium and the Weinstein Cardiovascular Development Conference.
In summary, Dr. Nishant Mittal is a dedicated and accomplished researcher with a strong track record in cardiovascular and cancer biology, demonstrating expertise in various model systems and a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge through innovative research approaches.
