The revolutionary CAR T Cell Therapy is changing the scenario of how we deal with cancer, making it more personal and powerful. This latest therapy uses a patient’s own immune cells and genetically modifies them to target and destroy cancer cells with remarkable accuracy. It is leading the way to a brighter, healthier tomorrow!
Have you ever thought about the incredible abilities our bodies possess?
If not, it’s time to gain knowledge on this important topic.
Well, what if I told you that your very own cells can act like superheroes, fighting off deadly diseases like cancer with unmatched accuracy?
It may sound like science fiction. But guess what? This revolutionary force is quietly making waves, and it’s called CAR T Cell Therapy!
We invite you to understand the intricate details of the CAR T Cell process step by step, including how these cells are cultivated, modified, and returned to your body again to fight cancer.
So, whether you are just curious to know about this therapy or a victim of deadly cancer, continue reading this guide to understand the power of this promising treatment.
Understanding CAR T Cell Therapy
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a significant advancement in cancer treatment that has developed in recent years, bringing fresh hope and possibilities.
To understand CAR T-cell therapy, let’s consider your immune system as an active security force patrolling your body for intruders, including cancer cells.
The key players in this defense mechanism are T-cells—white blood cells equipped with receptors that act as the immune system’s surveillance system. These receptors identify threats like cancer by targeting proteins known as antigens on the surface of intruder cells.
However, cancer cells are good at disguising themselves so that they can hide from your T-cells. CAR T cell therapy process tries to overcome this challenge by turning regular T-cells into cancer-fighting agents.
This process involves genetically modifying T-cells to express Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs), which act as powerful weapons, allowing T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.
You would be happy to know that approximately 70% of cancer patients respond positively to the CAR T cell therapy treatment in India positively.
Check This : The Role Of Immunotherapy In Lymphoma Treatment – CancerFax
Is This New Cancer Treatment Affordable?
Good news for all cancer patients out there! The Mumbai-based Immunoact new cancer treatment, NexCAR19, received approval.
It’s for leukemia and lymphoma patients who haven’t responded to other treatments. The cost of CAR T cell therapy in India is around USD 57,000, which is cheaper than in many other places.
This means India might become one of the best and most affordable places for this advanced cancer treatment, offering hope for those who need it.
Types Of Cancer Treated With CAR T Cell Process
This cancer therapy is mostly effective for cancer patients who haven’t responded to chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. This treatment has shown some promising results in treating various kinds of blood cancer. Here is a list of some common car t cell therapy applications:
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that primarily targets plasma cells, which are essential components of the immune system responsible for antibody production.
In this condition, abnormal plasma cells multiply uncontrollably, crowding out normal cells in the bone marrow. Immunotherapy and stem cell transplantation is the most effective multiple myeloma treatment in India.
B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is a type of cancer that impacts immature B lymphocytes, a specific group of white blood cells, during their development in the bone marrow.
Instead of growing into healthy white blood cells, these immature cells become abnormal and rapidly multiply, crowding out regular ones. To treat this disorder, doctors commonly use a combination of chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants.
B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
There are several subtypes of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL), including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma with DLBCL, and high-grade B-cell lymphoma.
These cancers arise from B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, and are classified according to their unique characteristics. Your healthcare provider might address this condition with chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, and monoclonal antibodies.
Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Mantle cell lymphoma is a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that originates in the B lymphocytes. This particular form of lymphoma is characterized by the rapid growth of cancerous cells, often invading various lymphoid tissues. Mantle cell lymphoma is often treated with a combination of chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation.
Step-By-Step Process For CAR T Cell Therapy
1. At first, your healthcare provider places a small tube (catheter) into a vein in your neck or under your collarbone.
2. They connect the catheter to a machine for a process called leukapheresis. This machine processes your blood, taking out white blood cells and returning red blood cells and plasma back to your body.
3. After that, an inactive virus is introduced to provide new genetic instructions to your T-cells.
4. Your T-cells start producing chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) and molecules armed with new genetic instructions.
5. The CAR receptors end up on the surface of your T-cells, while the molecules remain within, giving signals to keep your T-cells active.
6. The small batch of CAR T-cells is stimulated to multiply and grow until there are enough to target cancer cells efficiently. These cells are frozen and kept in a freezer until they are needed.
7. Before receiving the new cells, you’ll undergo chemotherapy to prevent your immune system from rejecting them.
8. Following chemotherapy, you will receive new cells via infusion, either in the hospital for several days or, in some situations, without a hospital stay, under the supervision of your healthcare team.
9. Once entered into your bloodstream, the CAR T-cell receptors recognize and bind to antigens (proteins) on cancer cells.
10. Your CAR T-cells then multiply and start killing the cancer cells with accuracy. Your CAR T-cells continue to grow and look for new cells with the target antigen to ensure long-term prevention against cancer.
CAR T Cell Therapy Side Effects That You Must Know
Cytokine Release Syndrome
This is a common side effect where the infused CAR T-cells cause the release of cytokines, leading to symptoms like fever, low blood pressure, and difficulty breathing.
Neurological Toxicities
Some individuals may experience confusion, seizures, or other neurological issues due to the impact of CAR T-cell therapy on the central nervous system.
Bone Marrow Suppression
CAR T-cell therapy can temporarily limit the production of blood cells in the bone marrow, resulting in low levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Infections
Patients with weakened immune systems, especially during the initial time after treatment, are more vulnerable to infections.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up our exploration of the CAR T Cell Process, let’s carry with us the empowering realization that science is opening new paths in the fight against cancer.
The CAR T cell approach is more than simply a medical treatment; it is proof of the remarkable advances being made in personalized cancer treatment.
So, to all those bravely facing this challenge, know that the world of medicine is evolving, and each step forward is a step toward a brighter, healthier future. We wish you a speedy recovery and a healthy future!
