India has made a significant advancement in cancer treatment with the introduction of CAR T-cell therapy, showing promising results in recent clinical trials published in The Lancet.
Here's a simplified explanation:
What is CAR T-cell therapy?
A new type of cancer treatment that uses the patient's own immune system.
T-cells (a type of white blood cell) are collected from the patient's blood.
In a lab, these T-cells are genetically modified to attack cancer cells.
The modified T-cells are then infused back into the patient.
What types of cancer does it treat? Certain blood cancers, especially when other treatments have failed.
What were the results of the clinical trials?
Nearly 73% of patients responded positively to the treatment.
The trials also provided important data on survival rates for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoma.
Is it available in India?
Yes, India's drug regulator approved the therapy in 2023.
It's available in major hospitals like Apollo and Fortis.
The approval was fast-tracked to help patients sooner.
How does it work?
Patient's T-cells are collected.
T-cells are genetically modified in a lab to target cancer cells.
Modified T-cells are multiplied.
Modified T-cells are infused back into the patient.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects include anemia, low platelet counts, and neutropenia.
Some patients experienced serious complications like haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (severe inflammation).
How much does it cost?
Approximately US$30,000 in India.
Much lower than in other countries, where it can cost over US$1 million.
Why is this important?
Many countries lack access to CAR T-cell therapy due to high costs.
India's accessibility represents a major step forward in making advanced cancer treatments more available.
It provides a new option for patients with limited alternatives.
In simple terms:
CAR T-cell therapy is a revolutionary cancer treatment where a patient's own immune cells are modified to attack cancer. India is now providing this potentially life saving therapy at a vastly reduced cost compared to other countries.